Jimmy Eat World/Jebediah split EP
(Big Wheel)
Ah, the split EP. In these days of low-cost compact discs and Napster and MP3, the split seems a thing of the past, a relic from a time when if two bands got together, they could just scrape enough dough to record and release a seven-inch record, giving them both some exposure and getting some a little unique in the process. Trouble is, the majority of them weren’t very good. This shared disc (which only consumes 27 minutes) isn’t going to do a whole to change the batting average of the split EP.
The treat here is Jimmy Eat World, who deliver three slices of emo-core spiced with melodic sweep, especially on the disc-opening “The Most Beautiful Things”, which suggests U2 if they had their heads screwed on straight. The other two tracks, “No Sensitivity” and “Cautioners” change up the attack with some Promise Ring-like pop and an atmospheric gurgle. Fine stuff.
Jebidiah also have three tracks, the first of which, “Animal” is taken from their “Of Someday Shambles” CD. Unfortunately, the story here is much the same as it is on that album. All the elements of emo-core except for the emotion. The singer’s voice can get downright annoying, as well, which brings up the other problem with split records: If one of the groups is clearly better than the other, it’s a serious deterrent. Jimmy Eat World fans, proceed with caution.
Stinkweeds, 2000
