Jimmy Eat World at The Olympia Theatre, 6th of September 2013

One might easily conceive of this as a teenage-angst renaissance but Jimmy Eat World have matured as much as any ’90’s US pop-rock act. Playing their second show ahead of their lengthy UK and US tour, Dublin fans took to Dame street’s Olympia to get their fix.

“Good evening we are Jimmy Eat World,” announces singer Jim Adkins, not a minute after nine pm. It seems twenty years and eight album later Jimmy Eat World remain as honest a band as you’ll find; a punctual crowd are rewarded with a punctual band.  The Arizona natives begin in timely fashion with new track  I Will Steal You Back from this year’s ‘Damage’ record. The new album signifies the end of Jimmy Eat World’s long running independent route which won them many fans, as they have signed with Canadian label, Dine-Alone Records.

The four-piece seamlessly shift into second gear with fan-favourite Big Casino, from ’07 album ‘Chase This Light.’ Unrelenting in their approach, a polished wall of sound inundates the crowd yet again with the radio-friendly sing-along belter, My Best Theory. Lead singer Jim openly admits the Olympia “is one of my favourite stages in the world to be on,” and with a smile the band play Lucky Denver Mint.  The crowd not only sing the chorus, but resolutely confirm, “You’re. Not. Bigger. Than. This.”

What follows is certainly the driest moment of the night.; the minority who enjoy the slow songs, are appeased with what can only be described as the sound of a thousand teenage hearts breaking, entitled Hear You Me. Complete and utter drab. Not to be condemned to teary whinge-anthems all night, the crowd are aware such an experienced band know how to perform, and perform they do.  Like a flame to fuel, they unleash the riff of their career with Futures, and get the room rocking once again.

“Don’t do drugs guys; do a nine hour plane ride,” Jim declares. The band settle in well with this set, and pepper the show with timely interactions. Damage, Pain and Sweetness retain the high energy of those in attendance, with moments where the roof may very well have been close to falling off. A night of good nature and good music, Jimmy Eat World seem a band who have ripened late. Bearing no allegiance with satire, they end the show with smash hit The Middle and cap off an excellent display of their talents.

Jimmy Eat World Photo Gallery

Photos: Kieran Frost