Blue October would have been categorized as nu metal prior to that genre’s sudden death earlier this decade. Now the hard-working band is called “post-grunge” by many critics, which means anguished vocals and thudding guitars are the order of the day.

Unlike many bands of its ilk, the boys of Blue October toiled at their craft for nine years prior to first experiencing success with the tortured single “Hate Me.” The hit song, about lead singer Justin Furstenfeld’s narcissism and his destruction of a past relationship, found the band earning comparisons to other earnest rock acts like Nickelback.

But Blue October’s breakout album, Foiled, contained a few surprises. “Into the Ocean,” the second single, is lighter and more playful than the feisty “Hate Me,” and “X Amount of Words” is an unexpected techno affair.

A new album, Approaching Normal, is in the works, and while the guys of Blue October may struggle to define themselves beyond the Nickelback-rock category, if Foiled was any indication, interesting work may still be up their sleeves.

Blue October appears at the House of Blues March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $35.

By Casino Connection Staff