Music Review: Third Eye Blind's latest a gem

CEBU, Philippines - Following a six-year break between full lengths, alt rock veterans Third Eye Blind again walk a fine line between aggression and a deft pop sensibility on their latest, “Ursa Major.”

Frontman Stephan Jenkins still knows his way around a catchy hook (even those who hated the “do-do-do’s” of 1997’s “Semi-Charmed Life” probably couldn’t get it out of their heads) but he never skimps on throwing down a hard riff or unleashing a scream to get his point across.

Jenkins’ lyrics juxtapose poetry with profanity, anger with longing and big world issues with the personal — drug and emotional abuse for example — and his emotive voice still boasts a hip-hop influenced cadence that makes for some fun and interesting wordplay.

Opening with the pulsating “Can You Take Me,” Jenkins wails “Let’s start a riot me and you/cuz a riot’s overdue,” and on the world-weary single “Don’t Believe A Word” he laments that “We like thugs when they attack/And we like crime when it’s black on black.”

“Summer Town” is an acoustic-flavored delight, “Water Landing” soars with a gospel choir, and lighter moments come with mid-tempo tracks “About to Break,” “One in Ten” and “Why Can’t You Be.”

It’s been a while, but Third Eye Blind hasn’t forgotten how to lay down a strong record.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: “Bonfire” kicks off with a stuttering acoustic guitar before kickstarting into a bouncing rocker while Jenkins confesses a lovesick passion with the simple refrain, “I keep burning on, and on, and on.” (AP)