The Michigan Times

Issue date: 4/16/03 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Bringing their radio-saturated sound within arm's reach of their fans, Elektra Records' Third Eye Blind arrived at Flint's Machine Shop on Apr. 8 for the second performance of their "Within Arm's Reach" tour, which includes performances at various clubs and bars across the country.

Breaking out of the gates with "Blinded," the first single from the band's forthcoming third album Through the Vein, front man Stephan Jenkins sparked a positive crowd reaction almost immediately, as the song's catchy chorus reflected the band's trademark radio-friendly sound.

Following each song, Jenkins would turn to different members of the crowd to gauge their appreciation of the band's new material, including "Forget Myself" and "Crystal Baller," which was once slated to be the title of the album. The crowd reaction to these new songs proved to be overwhelmingly positive. Jenkins and his bandmates then treaded through some familiar territory, performing songs from each of the band's previous two albums, Blue and their self-titled debut album.

Rather than performing such radio-saturated hits as the top 40 hit, "Semi-Charmed Life," the band chose to perform some of the lesser-known songs on these albums, including "Wounded" and "How's It Gonna Be," which played off the smaller, more intimate atmosphere of the club.

Third Eye Blind did not leave the fans without a dose of radio hits though, as the band performed familiar hits, "Never Let You Go," "Jumper," and "How's It Gonna Be" at the tail end of their set, before returning for their encore. The band's extended encore set included some new material, as well as the lesser-known acoustic-lased gem "Motorcycle Drive-By."

The smaller stage made for a more personal experience for the fans in attendance, who bought their tickets exclusively through online auction website and tour sponsor, Ebay.com.

"Growing up, we were always playing clubs this size," stated bassist Arion Salazar following the show, "but we always wanted to play larger amphitheaters. Now that we've been playing large amphitheaters for several years, we wanted to go back to playing smaller clubs, because they are more personal and intimate. This was my first time in Flint, and I felt that the Machine Shop was a great place to play."

Added vocalist Jenkins: "We felt (playing a club tour) was a good way to play our new album in advance for our fans."

Following the band's record release on May 13, Third Eye Blind plan to incorporate a heavy summer touring schedule to support the album.

"We'll probably go back out later this summer on a large tour to support the record after it is released," said Jenkins. Guitarist Tony Fredianelli added that the band would likely be performing Clarkston's DTE Energy Music Amphitheater this summer.

Through the Vein will be released on Elektra Records on May 13, with "Blinded" hitting airwaves as the record's first single.

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