Third Eye Blind brought their famous post-grunge ballads to the Music Farm last Tuesday night in Charleston. In the days leading up to the show, I was highly skeptical of what the experience would be like. The first thing I thought of when I heard their name mentioned was “has-beens.” Of course they had chart toppers like “Jumper,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” and “How’s It Going to Be,” but that was thirteen years ago. After a substantial hiatus and the lukewarm reception of 2003’s record Out of the Vein, 3EB (in shorthand) is staging their comeback with their freshly recorded, politically charged album Ursa Major.

People seem to be taking notice. Of all the shows I have shot at the Music Farm, I have never seen a line so long to get into this sold out show. The predominately female crowd ranging from junior high girls to mothers reminiscing of high school years was sold on every syllable that spilled out of lead singer Stephan Jenkins mouth. The amount of energy released left a lasting impression on me. The audience sung along with such unrestricted candor that their volume rivaled that of the huge speaker stacks.

Although their music isn’t typically my cup of tea, 3EB has the uncanny ability to stir up the warm and fuzzies in nearly anyone. With their added maturity and Jenkins’ politically aware lyrics, this “has-been” California group contains the makings to reinvent themselves and climb back up the charts. If Tuesday’s show was any indication, Third Eye Blind might just be able to do so.

Click here for 3EB’s tour info.

Photographed and Written by Elliot Ross