Jimmy Eat World finds ‘Clarity’

Jimmy Eat World, David Bazan & Band, Sat., Feb 12, 7 p.m.,  Crocodile Rock Cafe (520 W. Hamilton St.). Tickets $25. Info: 610.434.4600

Since the release of “Clarity” in 1999, alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World has remained at the forefront of the industry yet still just under the radar. From the beginning, Jimmy Eat World capitalized on its talent for fusing upbeat music with thought-provoking lyrics. The band’s tracks generally come across as catchy on first listen, however, upon closer inspection, usually contain darker and even poetic undertones.

Jimmy Eat World’s patented two-toned writing style set it apart early in the band’s career as it continues to push the boundaries with each new album. The band’s ability to produce energetic and catchy songs has always naturally appealed to radio fans. However, Jimmy Eat World’s ability to create depth just beneath the surface has also allowed its music to resonate with a much broader spectrum of listeners.

Formed in the early 1990s, the current lineup of Jimmy Eat World is Jim Adkins, Rick Burch, Zach Lind and Tom Linton. Jimmy Eat World recently launched a national tour in support of its seventh studio album “Invented.” As part of the tour, the band will play the Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Calling from his home, bassist and backing vocalist Burch took the time to speak with the Weekender about the creation of “Invented” and why he thinks Jimmy Eat World has managed to withstand for more than a decade of writing, touring and producing music, all while remaining the tight-knit group of friends they began as.

WEEKENDER: Where are you calling from?

BURCH: I’m actually at home right now resting up getting ready for the tour coming up.

WEEKENDER: You are on break from touring right now? Are you looking forward to getting started on the tour?

BURCH: Oh, for sure! Always. It’s one of my favorite things to do.

WEEKENDER: What was your specific role in creating “Invented”?

BURCH: My specific role was to make sure everyone showed up to work on time and to enforce. I’m kidding. The way things came together on this one and just kind of the way we work in general, is that someone brings in a piece of music and sometimes it will be generated from Jim. He will have an idea for a melody or guitar line or something. He’ll bring it in and we’ll all listen to it and we’ll all pitch in our two cents and just kind of go from there, and the song will evolve from there.

WEEKENDER: How does “Invented” compare to previous releases the band has put out?

BURCH: It definitely has elements of previous albums, but it also has a few new things as well, which we always try and do new stuff and keep challenging ourselves. It definitely, when you hear it, you can tell it’s a Jimmy Eat World record. It’s hard to compare it because they are all my favorite, but I like it the most right now, because it’s the freshest, you know? But we’re really proud of it. We hope people like it as much as we do.

WEEKENDER: What is your favorite track on “Invented” and why?

BURCH: You know what I really like, and it changes from day to day, but right now I’m really liking the title track “Invented.” It kind of goes to different places and ends up back to a similar space as it started. Sometimes, I’m in more of a rocking mood, so it will be something like “Evidence,” which is a really rocking song.

WEEKENDER: What would you say has been the key to the band’s longevity?

BURCH: The four of us have different personalities. There’s no same personalities, you know what I mean? There’s no clashing in that respect. Also, a big part of it is I think because we were friends for years before being in the band together, we were already getting along before starting to make music together, so I think that really plays a big role. You know we know each other really well, so we know when to kind of step back and let someone do what they’re doing or on the other hand, we can use that the other way where we know each other so well that we know exactly what button to push. In two seconds we can get someone riled up. We generally don’t get into that! We all have the same goal in mind, to better ourselves as a band.

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