Audiosurge 7.29.01
The Buzz Files: Rock Edition
by: Jim Milton (jim@audiosurge.com)

    For the last 6 months or so it seems like everyone I've talked with has been awaiting the dawn of the post-Mc.Boyband/Rap Metal era. With so much mediocre material out there, the biz is beginning to reach its carrying capacity for these types of "artists" -- and when this capacity is reached, it may finally be time for a new (or old) genre to break through into the mass consciousness.

    The following bands, rap metal or not, have one thing in common: they've distinguished themselves by remaining true in spirit. With any luck, these groups will be able to take advantage of a major window of opportunity or, at worst, yield a slew of great new releases that manage to fall on only a few privileged ears.

Artist: Jimmy Eat World
Album: Bleed American; Label: Dreamworks
Fan Club: www.audiosurge.com/jew
Official Site: www.jimmyeatworld.net

    Ironically, Jimmy Eat World is a tribute to the Independent Artist. Having been signed to major labels for much of their career, J.E.W. has had to work for every single fan without much help from their big media backers. They've always had the talent, the pop sensibilities, the looks and the live show to make it big. But what they haven't had was the platform from which to launch their unique style to the masses. Simply put, J.E.W. is different. A touring machine by any standards, they've worked hard to establish their global fan base which consists largely of converts from the hardcore/punk scene. Placed in the context of popular music however, J.E.W. is not as playful as pop-punk, and not as tough as rap-metal; hence the frustration of their ex-major labels. Their style and substance is highly emotional, sincere, energetic, and yet, too sophisticated to be filed under EMO, and too catchy to be classified as Indie Rock. This is truly a group that is unique, honest, and flat out GOOD.

    So now with new Management (Gary Gersh) and a fresh start on Dreamworks, J.E.W. is taking perhaps one last stab at pouring their hearts out to the world. Will the public embrace their sincerity? Their new release," Bleed American" hits stores on July 24th. The band also has several Canadian dates with Blink 182 and is scheduled for certain dates on the Warped Tour