 Third Eye Blind (3) could not have asked for a
nicer day to finish their European tour. A mass
of one of the most diverse audiences I have seen
flocked to the HMV Forum in Kentish town. Although
it wasn’t a sell out gig Third Eye Blind
were welcomed with an enthusiastic audience full
of obvious die hard fans. There were clearly high
expectations of a good gig flying around the venue.
The first few songs were shrouded in darkness
and smoke, I’m assuming for effect (not
so good for a photographer). Although the first
couple of tracks were done with no introduction
or crowd interaction, leading with hits like ‘Loosing
A Whole Year’ Third Eye Blind couldn’t
really go wrong. I guess the lack of crowd interaction
was to add to the mystery created by the smoke.
Although you expect a band to use the same lines
over again at gigs I felt that Stephan Jenkins
was at times transparent. For instance lines like
“I just looked out into the crowd and saw
a guy with a look of pure bliss on his face. It
inspired me. I never want to forget that feeling.”.
I am not impressed by rehearsed, re-hashed stage
tricks. Most of the crowd seemed impressed by
this tactic. Call me cynical, but it felt rehearsed.
This left me less than impressed. I guess it works
for them though; it seemed to ignite the majority
of the crowd (although I did meet a guy after
the show that felt the same way as me and my friend)
 Toward the end of the set they embarked on what
seemed like the longest rendition of ‘Jumper’
in existence. Mid song Stephan took it upon himself
to introduce each band member and each respectfully
got a solo. This was received with wild cheers
and even fiercer ones when the solos finally merged
into the end of the song.
When the set came to an end the Forum was filled
with the sound of stomping to lure Third Eye Blind
back on for an encore. And boy did they give an
encore. Lasting an epic six songs they churned
out classics like ‘Semi-Charmed Life’
and ‘Slow Motion’. Although ‘Slow
Motion’ was, like the rest of the show a
little a theatrical, with the Stephan clicking
his fingers to make the stage lights go red on
the line ‘A most beautiful ruby red’
I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it and
was one of the best songs of the evening.
There is no denying the musical skill and performance
techniques that Third Eye Blind have built up
over years of experience. This gives them no excuse
for a bad show, and they didn’t give one.
But the performance techniques of Stephan just
seemed a bit too rehearsed for my own personal
taste. The general consensus from the rest of
the gig goers however, was positive and they did
put on a memorable show.
Third Eye Blind 3/5
Review By Nicci Peet |
