Chartattack 7.24.01

    Bleed American is Jimmy Eat World's fourth album and their first offering after a sticky divorce from their last major label. Touches of synth-pop are quietly slipped in amongst the thumping bass and guitar licks of "The Middle" and a greaser-style salute is directed to Jim Adkins' old-style, rock-the-socks-out-of-your-brogues guitar solo. From there there�s some melody, topped off with a touch of harmony in "A Praise Chorus," which ends on easily the sweetest pop-punk note I've heard in ages. While the band seems to have found a niche that works for them along the lines of gob, Eve 6 and, to a certain extent, Blink-182, these touches of inspired rock are at times swallowed by the band's often formulaic guitar riffs. Singer Jim Adkins' vocal stylings are also in danger of sounding too generic, although he can certainly woo the softer tracks. All in all, these boys are full of pop sweetness that almost makes you want to pinch their cheeks (the ones on their faces, you dirty, dirty people). Easily slides in amongst the soundtracks for this summer.

by: Hannah Guy