Jimmy Eat World
It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the release of the seminal "Bleed American". What is harder still to believe is that for a band who were arguably at their most potent 10-12 years ago, most of those crowd now anxiously waiting for them were probably eating crayons and throwing tantrums in supermarkets back then. But, that is power of the awesome Jimmy Eat World.
Arriving on stage with no fuss or pretention, after a simple "Hello" from frontman Jim Adkins it is straight down to business. The steady drive of 'My Best Theory' begins proceedings in fine enough fashion, but from the opening chords of second track 'A Praise Chorus' the crowd become electric with movement and voice. Bouncing furiously, the air becomes a-wash with drinks (and other dull coloured fluids) in celebration.
'Lucky Denver Mint' is a nice addition to the set, giving a little nod to "Clarity" fans, whilst relatively new song 'Coffee and Cigarettes' stands up well against older material with its characteristic 'Jimmy' sound and lyrical sensibilities. But it is the gentle ebb of 'Hear You Me' that provides the 'lighters in the air' moment of the afternoon, although the continued thrust of the wind towards the stage did affect the normally delicate lullaby-esque sound.
Closing on the mammoth double header of the blistering and always fresh sounding "Bleed American" and "Sweetness" with its rousing "whoah-oh-ohs", the crowd are very much in the hands of the four men from Arizona by the end of their short set.
There is something earnest and sincere about Jimmy Eat World. They are not mega-stadium selling, rock star demi-gods, nor are they an ultra hip, obtuse indie collective: they are a band with a huge appeal, a back catalogue of incredibly anthemic songs and arguably some of the nicest people in music.