Terminal 5... The Thunderdome of Manhattan

Terminal 5 is definitely a unique venue. Have you ever seen the Mel Gibson movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome? Well, Terminal 5 is the Thunderdome of Manhattan. It consists of a tower of 3 levels wrapped around the main stage as well as a roof deck bar which offers hot dogs and burgers in addition to drinks.

If you are ever in Manhattan and want a Thunderdome-like concert experience, then definitely go checkout a show at Terminal 5. It's pretty crazy.

Terminal 5 is on the West side of New York City, near the Hudson River, and it has the same owners as the world famous Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Unfortunately the third level was closed off due to construction. So an already packed towering venue of Jimmy Eat World fans was extra crowed. I was fortunate enough to find a seat on one of the reach couches, watching most of the concert on one of the many televisions that graced the venue's walls. Not the most ideal situation for a live concert experience, but sometimes you have to roll with it. One word of advice: Go early and try to get a prime spot by the railings... unless you want to watch the show on a TV in the back.

Empty Terminal 5 photo via Consequence of Sound

Scottish Jetpacks??! "We Were Promised Jetpacks," an indie rock band from Scotland, started the evening's festivities. They got the crowd going, but never really gained momentum. It was difficult to make out the lyrics, with the Scottish accent and all, making it hard for the audience to connect with the band. However, the crowd still seemed intrigued. Bobby, a 22-year-old from the Bronx who was sitting near me by the couches, thought that while the band's name was a bit corny, the they had their own unique sound. Personally, I thought they were too hard to understand.

A Controversial Member of J.E.W. ?

By the time the lights were dimmed at 9, the crowd was anxious for Jimmy Eat World's performance. Murmurs amongst the crowd ranged from excitement to skepticism. For their 7th studio album "Invented," Jimmy Eat World utilized the vocals of a 5th member, a female singer/songwriter named Courtney Marie Andrews (check her out on Facebook). Many of the fans that I spoke to said that they were unsure whether she would be performing with the group at the concert, and felt that she hurt the bands integrity.

Photo via Courtney Marie Andrews' Facebook Page [link]

From Group Swaying to Mosh Pits

Jimmy Eat World opened with "Bleed American" from their 4th studio album. The crowd went insane. The band members Jim Adkins, Tom Linton, Rick Burch, Zach Lind and Courtney Marie Andrews, dressed in black to offset the massive lighting display that was behind them. The lights danced to the beat of each song, and also set the mood. Near the end of their 1st set, Jimmy Eat World integrated the massive disco ball that hung from the center of the venue for their song "Hear You Me." There were lighters and cell-phones in the air as everyone swayed back and forth, singing along to the slowest song of the night. The crowd was relatively mellow for the entirety of the performance; it wasn't until the encore that the lower level started moshing.

The bands set list was mixed with old songs and new album ones from there album. The most haunting song was "Let It Happen," from their album Chase This Light which included the addition of a new mesmerizing harmony between Andrews, and Jimmy Eat Worlds lead singer Jim Adkins. The stage was washed with blue and purple lights, adding to the songs.

Photo via pomomusings.com

After being braced, for a female vocalist that was supposedly awful and according to long time fan Krissy, 27, ruined the all-male band, I was surprised to find her voice complementary rather overpowering. Andrews added insightful choices to the songs by rocking out on her keyboard, and adding in subdued vocals that sent chills down my spine.

The Encore

The encore was by far, my favorite part of the evening. They only played four songs, but they were the most well known songs and had everyone singing along. The band ended with "Sweetness," with the stage washed with a stark white light, emphasizing the band and their music.

As the event staff screamed at people to get out of the venue, I was able to talk to some of the fans, and everyone's reactions were all the same: Awesome.

Jen, 27, came all the way from the U.K. to see Jimmy Eat World perform, and thought that they were "absolutely incredible." Not one person I spoke to had one bad thing to say. The only complaint came from Manhattan residents Noah, 23, and Evan, 20, who said that the show just wasn't long enough.

Personally, I'm dying to see Jimmy Eat World perform again. After the show I immediately went home and downloaded their new album. Thank you methodshop! I had a great time and was honored to be chosen to review the show.

Bass drum photo via WNEW