A Sassy Third Eye Blind Glams It Up - Los Angeles Times
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A Sassy Third Eye Blind Glams It Up

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In the three years since Third Eye Blind debuted, the San Francisco-based quartet hasput a lot of effort into self-improvement. Its new second album, “Blue,†boasts the same kind of catchy hooks and literary attitude that distinguished “Third Eye Blind,†but delivers it with a meatier flair.

When 3EB hit the stage at the Wiltern Theatre on Thursday, it was clear the group has worked on beefing up its live attack as well.

Decked out in glam-rock attire, all leather and faux fur, the musicians pranced and swaggered their way through a 90-minute set that flaunted all their strengths and weaknesses.

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At its best, 3EB delivered its strongest material (lively pop-rock numbers such as “Semi-Charmed Life†) with plenty of sassy attitude.

Frontman Stephan Jenkins’ charismatic stage presence certainly added a brash edge to the tunes, and guitarist Tony Fredianelli put on an impressive display of rock posturing.

All the colorful gestures only made the lackluster musicianship that surfaced during solos, ballads and brief but dull instrumental stretches a more glaring shortcoming.

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The capacity audience seemed blissfully oblivious to such soft spots as it basked in the feel-good vibes Jenkins and company whipped up.

Also on the bill was Tonic, which turned in an energetic set that featured less glitz and more playing savvy.

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