Jimmy Eat World

Clarity

Indie-Pop With Heart

Review Score:

(10/10)
"Emo-core" is certainly one of the more nebulous musical "genres" (if one can even consider it that) to emerge in the past decade or two. This situation is not at all helped by the fact that most "emo-core" bands actually resent the term that the hipster powers that be have bestowed upon them. Well, like it or not, Jimmy Eat World is such a band: often cited alongside other emo bands, but always begrudgingly so.

This all has little to do with how enjoyable their music is, but if there is one thing that most emo-core bands share, it is a desparate sincerity imbedded within every note. This is even more rare when the band in question has actually spent time with a major label. But, that's the best description (and, in my humble opinion, compliment) that I can give to "Clarity" and Jimmy Eat World in general. Despite the epic anguish of some of the tracks and the tooth decaying sweetness of some of J.E.W.'s lovelorn melodies, not a single moment seems feigned. As the 15 minute plus Goodbye Sky Harbor rambles on, you'll understand it, too. At times, Jimmy Eat World's sound might be a little over-wrought. But, it is always completely sincere. They caught a particular moment and a particular feeling with "Clairty". If you're lucky, they'll catch you, too. Believe it or not, that can make all the difference in the world.

More Reviews: