Music Review: Ursa Major by Third Eye Blind
John Kosik Associated Press
Aug 19, 2009
Third Eye Blind, "Ursa Major" (Megaforce)
Following a six-year break between full lengths, alt rock veterans Third Eye Blind again walk a fine line between aggression and a deft pop sensibility on their latest, "Ursa Major."
Frontman Stephan Jenkins still knows his way around a catchy hook (even those who hated the "do-do-do's" of 1997's "Semi-Charmed Life" probably couldn't get it out of their heads) but he never skimps on throwing down a hard riff or unleashing a scream to get his point across.
Jenkins' lyrics juxtapose poetry with profanity, anger with longing and big world issues with the personal - drug and emotional abuse for example - and his emotive voice still boasts a hip-hop influenced cadence that makes for some fun and interesting wordplay.
Opening with the pulsating "Can You Take Me," Jenkins wails "Let's start a riot me and you/cuz a riot's overdue," and on the world-weary single "Don't Believe A Word" he laments that "We like thugs when they attack/And we like crime when it's black on black."
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"Summer Town" is an acoustic-flavored delight, "Water Landing" soars with a gospel choir, and lighter moments come with mid-tempo tracks "About to Break," "One in Ten" and "Why Can't You Be."
It's been a while, but Third Eye Blind hasn't forgotten how to lay down a strong record.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: "Bonfire" kicks off with a stuttering acoustic guitar before kickstarting into a bouncing rocker while Jenkins confesses a lovesick passion with the simple refrain, "I keep burning on, and on, and on."
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Copyright 2009 by Associated Press
