One of my all time favorite bands is Third Eye Blind. They were my absolute favorite in high school, as I own every album and could pretty much sing each word from every song. Their debut is an instant classic; Blue has some of the best fan favorites from 3eb's discography; Out of Vein is my favorite breakup album of all time; and I even loved the mixed reviewed Ursa Major. It was the soundtrack to my fall of 2009 and is still a constant go-to in my usual listening.
Through the years I've seen Stephan Jenkins and company 10 times. They've played venues as large as 20,000 for Bamboozle Fest back in 2010, to as tiny as a smalltown live music weeknight fair in 2011. I've seen them everywhere from professional venues, casinos, an outdoor hockey rink to even Sea World. Every time has been amazing.
I'm clearly biased.
So when Third Eye announced plans for a new album, as well as a summer tour with Dashboard Confessional to accompany the new tunes, I obviously jumped on it. I bought tix to both House of Blues Orlando, and a pit seat for their St. Augustine gig at the Ampitheater two nights later.
Night 1 Review:
The Orlando show was the smallest venue Third Eye will play all summer long. They came on stage late (10:40) following an hour long set by Dashboard. Jenkins is no stranger to unusual stage antics, and this was the case in Orlando. He remained clocked in darkness for the first few songs. He sang using a hanging microphone from the back of the stage, only outlined by the flashing lights.
It seemed like is wasn't until the first few songs passed that you got a good look at the frontman. Stephan is beloved by 3EB fans for the effort and energy he provides at each show. Tonight was no different. The singer will turn 51 this year, but you would never know it. He bounces around stage and even proclaimed that he's never felt more alive in his entire life before this summer.
The setlist was very friendly for casual Third Eye fans. All the greatest hits were played, including radio hits 'Jumper,' 'Semi-Charmed Life,' 'How's it Gonna Be?' and 'Never Let You Go.' They also played setlist constants in 'Losing a Whole Year' and 'Graduate.'
For me though, the best part of a Third Eye show is the connection with the audience. That comes out best with fan favorites 'Motorcycle Drive By' and 'Slow Motion.' These songs get the most loyal fans singing along, uniting the room. The band seems to love it and it's always the lasting memory I have from 3eb shows. Most of these fans have been with Third a Eye for many years, and they show it here.
Overall, the Orlando crowd did it's job and it was a great show. I wouldn't expect anything less from Third Eye. Keep it up Steve!
Night 1 Concert Rating: 3.5 Stars
Round 2 Review:
I was back at it 2 nights later in St Augustine for a much larger venue show. The Ampitheater was close to capacity and the pit was bumping as Third Eye opened with the same tunes as the sun set. It was great to get back to St Augustine by the way. (first time since Mumford's Gentlemen of the Road stopover in Sep 2013)
It may have been due to the venue and acoustics, but right away I thought Steve sounded better on night 2. His voice was clear and he was rocking, stating early that he was in a mood to play all night long.
The setlist ended up being near identical to the Friday show, but I didn't mind. As mentioned prior, they played great tunes! This also gave me a chance to fully appreciate the new songs performed. Third Eye played 3 in total, including lead single for the new album - 'Everything is Easy.' This new tune proves Jenkins is still a capable songwriter and features a great hook.
The new album, entitled Dopamine, was just released a few weeks ago and I'm very excited to listen in detail. Even if 3eb never again reaches the peak they saw in the late 90's, it's clear they still have a great fan base that's satisfied to get some new music. Really proud of the guys for putting this out.
Some other highlights from Round 2 was a chilling version of 'Bonfire' and a crazy drum solo from Brad Hargreaves. Brad is the only other member from the original 3eb lineup when they were formed in 1993.
Overall, both great shows and I'll give the slight advantage to night #2. Stephan Jenkins sounded better for round 2 and you can't beat a full Ampitheater singing along with Third Eye's greatest hits. 3eb and Dashboard will continue touring together throughout the first half of the summer.
Night 2 Concert Rating: 3.5 Stars
SETLIST:
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(Guitar Intro only)
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(Beyoncé cover)
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- Encore:
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