When you think of Jimmy Eat World, chances are you think of their MTV video for the hit single “The Middle” off Bleed America (2001). Twelve years since the release the band has put out four albums, with the newest being Damage (2013). The album is self-described by lead vocalist Jim Adkins as “pretty energetic” and being break-up songs told in the perspective of a 37-year-old opposed to older songs focusing from a much younger perspective. Along with release of Damage the band signed with Dine alone Records of Canada marking the end of an independent era. With their newest single “I Will Steal You Back” gaining traction, the band has toured to promote Damage, most recently stopping at Starland Ballroom in NJ with supporting act X Ambassadors on Friday the 13th.
X Ambassadors, formally known as just Ambassadors, are a Brooklyn quartet that cannot be easily classified. Their songs range from alternative to punk while others touch on a soulful pop sound. They have received success touring with such acts as Canadian sensations LIGHTS last fall while supporting their debut EP Love Songs, Drug Songs. Adding to their accolades Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons remixed their single “Unconsolable“.
X Ambassadors possessed energy on stage while having fun at the same time. Lead singer Sam Harris constantly interacting with the crowd while not only singing but playing saxophone and drums throughout the set as well. Their music instantly brought smiles to everyone’s faces in the room. Each song performed was relatable and catchy enough to have you singing along all night. As this tour concludes X ambassadors is heading out on tour with Panic! at the Disco.
A jam-packed Starland Ballroom was ready to rock with Jimmy Eats World. Although they hail from Arizona, you would think they were a Jersey local with the overwhelmingly positive response they received this Friday the 13th. The warm welcome from fans was rewarded with a special 26 song set list. The set list included popular songs such as “I Will Steal You Back”, “Pain”, “Bleed American”, and “Appreciation”. Adding to these familiar tracks was “Night Drive” which has only been played live a hand full of times. They even found time for a cover of Wham’s! “Last Christmas” just in time for the holidays. The set closed out with “The Middle” which was accommodated by a mass of fans singing along.
Jimmy Eats World only gets better with age and the smiles on the faces of their fans are proof. With 2013 coming to close, be sure to keep your eyes open for Jimmy Eats World to come to your town sometime in the New Year.
Written by Jesse Murch
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