“It’s not a phase, Mom!” – the battle cry of teenagers who ever donned black eyeliner, straightened their hair, and insisted on wearing black band t-shirts to formal events. Jim Adkins’ playful nod to this timeless phrase before launching into their hit ’23’ was a wink to the band’s emo roots.
In a nostalgic whirlwind of American emo rock and alternative anthems, Jimmy Eat World took Manchester by storm on the 14th of November, proving that their music is indeed a timeless appeal. The Arizona-born band, celebrating over three decades in the industry, delivered a performance of ‘Sweetness and Sound’ at the Manchester O2 Warehouse.
The venue, a converted cotton storage facility from the early 1900s, featured a wide standing area and elevated viewing sections. Its high ceilings and industrial architecture created the ideal backdrop for alternative rock performances like Jimmy Eat World’s high-energy show. As the photographer for the evening, I appreciated how the venue offered multiple vantage points for capturing different angles. The stage set was simple, containing a backdrop of their most recent album from 2019, Surviving. Since then, the band has released non-album singles and a live concert series covering songs from specific eras.
From the raw energy of their breakout hit ‘The Middle’ to the introspective depths of ’23’, Jimmy Eat World demonstrated why they’ve remained a cornerstone of the alternative rock scene since their formation in 1993. The concert was a testament to their evolution from emo pioneers to rock stalwarts. The setlist was a showcase of the band’s musical evolution, taking fans on a journey through their decades-long career. The only downside to being a super fan of any band is that whatever setlist is played, it can never include all your favourite ones.
Kicking off with ‘Pain’, the song’s powerful guitar riffs and driving drums immediately grabbed the room’s attention. The catchy chorus allowed fans to sing along and “take their pain away”—if anyone had any left after the song. This was equally energetically followed by ‘Sweetness’. In this first quarter of the show, the band balanced their setlist with a mix of classic hits and newer material, including fan favourites such as ‘If You Don’t, Don’t’ and ‘Sure and Certain’.
Halfway through the set, I decided to quickly check out the merch stall and fanboy out there while things were still available. It was at that point they played one of the most heartfelt songs ever written in this genre called ‘Hear You Me’. For those noughties pop culture fans, this was in the soundtrack of the widely popular series One Tree Hill. The person at the stall told me this was the song they played in one of her family members’ funerals. According to reports, this song was written in memory of two sisters who were devoted fans of the band. The Allan sisters tragically died in a car accident while returning from a Weezer concert in 1997.
The lyrics of ‘Hear You Me’ reflect on loss, remembrance, and the impact that someone can have on others’ lives even after they’re gone. Lines like “I never said thank you for that, now I’ll never have a chance” convey a sense of longing and of the void left by a loved one’s absence. The chorus, “May angels lead you in,” is a heartfelt wish for peace and guidance for those who have passed away. As I quickly entered back in the room, I felt a sudden wave of energy hitting me like an invisible wall. That same cold chill feeling that the person at the merch booth must have felt, it’s crazy how certain sounds can do this to us.
One highlight towards the latter half included the performances of tracks from Futures. The song ’23’, released in 2004, is a reflective seven-minute track about growing up and facing life’s uncertainties. The track has become a cornerstone of their repertoire, thanks to its masterful progression from subtle beginnings to a powerful, soaring finale. Jim Adkins, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, wrote the song when he was 23 years old, capturing the feelings of being at a crossroads in life. The lyrics explore themes of self-doubt, the pressure of making important life decisions, and the fear of the unknown future. Lines like “You’ll sit alone forever if you wait for the right time” encapsulate the song’s message about taking chances and not letting opportunities pass by.
What makes Jimmy Eat World’s sound truly distinctive is their approach to sonic layering. The band crafts textured arrangements that sometimes blend Jim Adkins’ emotive vocals with female harmonies, creating beautiful vocal interplay throughout their discography. Their use of diverse instrumentation, particularly the incorporation of melodic percussion like xylophones, adds depth to their sound. The way they build their songs through careful layering – starting with a simple melody and gradually adding instruments and vocal harmonies – creates an immersive sound that sets them apart from anyone else.
Another standout moment was when they treated the fans to a variation of the old school classic ‘Goodbye Sky Harbour’. The studio version, at over 16 minutes long, is the band’s longest studio recording. This song is special due to its intricate layering of instruments and vocals, particularly in its extended outro. Playing a variation of this classic at the concert highlights its enduring importance in their catalogue and its special place in fans’ hearts.
The acoustic rendition of ‘555’ by Adkins provided an intimate moment amidst the rock-fuelled set. As expected, crowd-pleasers like ‘Bleed American’ and ‘The Middle’ were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, reaffirming the songs’ enduring popularity. The encore, featuring ‘Night Drive’ and ‘The World You Love’, provided a perfect, slightly melancholic end to a night that spanned Jimmy Eat World’s entire career, reaffirming their status as alternative rock mainstays.
As the final notes of ‘The World You Love’ faded into the Manchester night, it became clear that Jimmy Eat World aren’t just Surviving (like their 2019 album name) – they’re thriving. For a band that once sang about being “in the middle”, they’ve certainly found their sweet spot. And while some of us may have outgrown our studded belts and excessive eyeliner, Jimmy Eat World proves that great music, like that one embarrassing photo from 2010, never really goes out of style.
