LIVE REVIEW: Jimmy Eat World at Wooly’s in Des Moines, Iowa (10/10/2014)

October 13th, 2014

Matthew Leimkuehler

There’s something comprehendingly special about packing tight into a sold out club to witness a record so undeniably important to so many people being played in its entirety — and that’s what happened Friday night in Des Moines for Jimmy Eat World‘s ‘Futures’ tour.

The album that brought emotional singles such as “Pain” and “Work” played front to back live last Friday in Des Moines, Iowa. Wooly’s, the venue that held the show, isn’t a huge theater or magnificent arena. It’s a rock & roll club. It’s the type of place you go to get sweaty and shout the words of your favorite songs right in the singer’s face. It’s the type of place you jump on stage and embrace your favorite band without any barrier. It’s the best type of club to sell out for this show.

The atmosphere couldn’t have been better. Frontman Jim Adkins embraced the city and stage as if it were his own. Leading off with a serenading prelude to the opening track, “Futures,” Adkins sang the chorus to the audience, who were immediately engaged and entranced by the magic that was about to take place.

The band soared through the first half of the record. Containing some of the band’s most gripping songs and enticing singles, the crowd bounced insatiably during the irresistible engagements.

“This song is about drugs,” Adkins said to the crowd when diving into the swaying emotional track, “Drugs or Me.”

Adkins poked playfully at the theme of addition that is prevalent throughout the record, while also sincerely thanking fans for still caring 10 years later. A truly magnificent sight. A chill was sent through the room when the band closed the first portion of the set and the record with “23.” People held each other close as the band’s most powerful number echoed through the club.

The first encore from the band included fan-favorite numbers like “Closer,” and new favorite, “Appreciation.” The band even played “Claire” live for the first time in 5 years. An Easter egg on top of a night full of Jimmy Eat World rarities. The band broke and came out for a second, energetic encore including “A Priase Chorus,” and the closer, “Sweetness.” The band’s arguably biggest single, “The Middle,” did not make the evening’s playlist.

Despite a set that lacked energy at certain moments, the band was able to grab your attention through every up and down during each song. Sure, the band didn’t play every head-banging number in its arsenal — but it still managed to have moments that took the crowd’s breath away. You know, the type of moments you talk with your friends about for years to come. Those are the types of moments taking place on the ‘Futures’ tour and that’s why this is the Fall’s must-see rock tour. Embrace a record truly full of ups and downs with a live show that mirrors the performance heard under the needle. If you’ve ever been a fan of Jimmy Eat World, now is a great time to witness the band recreate some of the best music from its impeccable discography.

Written by Matthew Leimkuehler (@callinghomematt)

Remaining dates on the ‘Futures’ tour:

Oct 13 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Oct 15 – Washington, DC @ 930 Club
Oct 16 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Oct 17 – Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theater
Oct 18 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Oct 20 – Westbury, NY @ Space at Westbury Hall
Oct 21 – Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
Oct 22 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz

*photo courtesy of dontblinkmedia.com