By ChristaAlexia Papas
Broadside Senior Staff Writer

Exuding a mixture of explosive rhythm and charismatic vocals, Third Eye Blind hit the stage at American University's Buena Arena with a forceful opening last Sunday. The band, originally from San Francisco, has embarked on a national tour that continues to New England this week.

Lead vocalist Stephan Jenkins is a human tirade on stage. Jenkins can appear to be slightly demure in one fleeting moment, but emerges to arouse the crowd with unexpected attacks of enigmatic energy. It is precisely this same energy that pronounces the bands success as "fiercely independent."

Producer and co-writer of the band's self-titled debut album, Jenkins' talent as a writer embodies a tempestuous essence that clearly surfaces on stage. His opening remarks to the audience referred to the content of their songs as being "dark and freaky." Some of the topics explored on the album include alcoholism, drug use and narcolepsy.

In reality, the way the band has decided to examine these issues is really not "dark and freaky" in any sense. Although these topics appear to be an exploration of self-destructive patterns and behaviors into a "dark and freaky" world, the material is written with a very sane approach to life. The album seems to be more of a catharsis rather than a walk on the dark side.

I do not want to discount the great depth of the music by labeling this band as alternative-pop, as they have been in the past. Third Eye Blind deals with some very complex and uncommon issues, but are somehow able to make its music relate to common situations in life in an upbeat way.

Jenkins' unequivocated frenzy of words come to life on stage. Opening with "Losing A Whole Year," a song that deals with loss, guitarist Kevin Cadogan plays a haunting lead, a style that resembles U2's guitarist, The Edge. Bassist Arion Salazar's chords hold the band together, while drummer Brad Hargreaves ensures the surprise element with every beat. The vigor of the crowd climaxed during "Semi-Charmed Life," the album's first single. Jenkins thrusted his microphone out to the audience while the entire arena took over lead vocals with unimpaired excitement.

Third Eye Blind's unique and creative aptitude spans all areas of its music. From well-written lyrics to the anxious effect of their audible intensity, the band appears to have longevity. Jenkins has that rare quality that allows the audience to feel like they are interacting with the band on stage. The band's vivid world of sensation is apparent in its performance as Jenkins' passionate vocals stir the crowd. One night of audio fun with these men could mentally stimulate even the dullest of senses.

(c) Broadside Interactive 1998