I’m fully aware Third Eye Blind aren’t punk. And yes I know we’re Punktastic and supposed to stick to reviewing anything related to the genre. But sometimes I figure I’d love to rip up the rulebook and just do what the Hell I want. I’ve loved 3EB for years. While the self-titled album is probably the record everyone knows, ‘Blue’ and ‘Out of the Vein’ both surpass it in terms of quality. Then the band disappeared off the radar. Stephan Jenkins, for some reason, went quiet and while ‘Red Star’ is hardly a ‘Chinese Democracy’ style comeback, for fans this is definitely a big moment.
It’s difficult to tell if 3EB will be back with a bang in time for the full length as this EP is just three songs long. That said, there’s the usual lyrical wit, important message and catchy choruses delivered in a way the band have patented over the years. Jenkins’ vocals are as clever and well delivered as ever and while the tone of his message is perhaps a little too cynical on ‘Non Dairy Creamer’ after a few listens you’ll be singing along. The band have always been a great alt-rock band and this EP won’t change opinions – but what it does do very well is whet your apetite for more. Let’s hope it won’t be another five or so years before the next album…