This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
“I never know when I’m done,” admits Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins. No kidding. Let’s face it: anyone who’s been paying attention could see Jenkins has been living on borrowed time for a while now.
In the three years since 3EB’s last album Blue, they have begun to collapse, with guitarist and major songwriting contributor Kevin Cadogan exiting the fold. Jenkins, meanwhile, has seemed to feel his time was better spent jet-setting, partying and dating Charlize Theron. That music has taken second place to celebrity seems woefully obvious on the forgettable and regrettable Out Of The Vein. These 13 unexceptional pop-rock tossoffs feel like the work of some Third Eye Blind tribute band — the earnest lyrics are there, the slick production is there and the modern-rock riffs are there in abundance. Yet there’s something missing. What could it be? Oh yeah — it’s hooks. Apparently Cadogan took them all with him when he left. Granted, the disc has its moments — Danger and Company rock out fairly credibly, and the candlelit ballad Self Righteous features a guest vocal from (believe it or not) The Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson — but overall, Out Of The Vein seldom gets under your skin. Stephan? You’re done.
