Back in the days of feathered hair and 8-track tapes, rock bands were given ample time to grow, hone their craft and define (and redefine) their sound. In today’s churn-and-burn era, though, rock acts tend to have a shorter shelf life than a carton of milk, thanks to the perpetual pursuit for “the next big thing.” All of which makes a band like Blue October a refreshing outlier.
Not only has the Texas band survived more than two decades in what has become an increasingly cutthroat industry, but it continues to produce new music that resonates with fans. Case in point: its eighth studio album titled Home—shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock and Alternative charts shortly after it was released in April 2016. Home was Blue October’s second No. 1 Rock Album (following 2011’s Any Man in America) and third No. 1 Alternative Album.
As impressive as those accomplishments are, this one just might top it: Blue October’s three founding members—Justin Furstenfeld, brother Jeremy Furstenfeld and Ryan Delahoussaye have endured since the band formed in 1995. Talk about a rarity in rock.
Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, 7 p.m. May 13, starting at $29.50 plus fee, 18+. 702.862.2695
