( Photos by Jeffrey Moellering Report by Rebecca Gast)
Where have you been since 1993, and why haven’t you been listening to Third Eye Blind? You have to admit, this band probably has a tune or two that is a perfect anthem for your youth. Although the original version of the band split, OG frontman Stephan Jenkins and drummer Brad Hargreaves (he is made of lions!) have kept the band on a steady reclimb to success with the addition of guitarist Kryz Reid, the #getlow bassist extraordinaire Alex LeCavalier (if you’re a Tampa hockey fan, you HAVE to love 3eb now!) and Colin Creev on keys who recently replaced the much loved AKopp who moved on earlier this year to pursue other projects. Even purist fans of original guitarist Kevin Cadogan would have to admit that this current lineup is the stuff of Kings. If you follow the band on social media at all – mostly IG and twitter – the fan base that this crew has both individually and collectively as a band is like none other. Even Dan Nolan their guitar/drum/stage master has a fan club (we love you Dan!)
Four years ago, I traveled to St Augustine for my first ‘roadtrip specifically to see a band’ to catch 3eb after many decades. They had a new album in the works – Dopamine – and it was great to see them play all of the old songs that have always made me jump up and down singing at the top of my lungs. Since then I have watched the crowd size grow, and grow, and grow, and grow to many a sold-out show on each tour. Its my personal opinion that 3eb’s steady touring, relatability of their music, and constant personal interaction with fans have directly influenced the plethora of 80s and 90s bands that have recently started to tour again. THANK YOU 3EB!
Fast forward to Thursday night at Jannus Live. The band is promoting yet another new album ‘Screamer’ while still playing all of the tunes you love such as Semi-Charmed Life, Jumper, Losing a Whole Year, and my personal favorite “Wounded”. The band, the fans and the music haven’t missed a step in all of these years. The energy level from all – at each and every show – is mighty! The reactions from all human makes and models, loud! Maybe that’s why they named the new album Screamer?
Much deserving a mention was the opening band Smallpools. This indipop band from LA has been around since 2013 and has already had a #1 hit on The Hype Machine with their single “Dreaming”. Their songs are catchy and danceable, their stage presence fun and energetic, their drummer Beau Kuther is crazy entertaining to watch, and their singer looks like Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born. I mean… what’s not to like?
I’ll continue to go see 3eb whenever they are even remotely close to me. Music aside, they are one of the hardest working and most charitable bands out there today, they continue to be humble and grateful, and always support the small local musician as well as the everyday person just trying to make it. Did you know that Stephan and Brad saved some teens from drowning a few years ago? Ya, they’re that kind of people. Keep Rockin 3eb! You’ve got our support.
