On June 30th, the bands of Summerfest rode into Austin and put on an impressive show including Dexter Freebish, Violent Femmes, Vallejo, Canvas, and Blue October. It was obvious by six o'clock that Blue October had taken the concert by storm and solidified the crowd behind their music. Blue October, having recently released their second album, Consent to Treatment, has become a local favorite. Their combination of unique lyrical style and energetic performances coupled with impressive violin crowdpleasers, by Ryan Delahousseaye, had the Austin rock community on their knees druing Summerfest. They do not have a nationally-recognized name such as Dexter Freebish or Violent Femmes, but this can not be equated with inexperience as they have spent the last seven years building a devoted following in Texas, as they hail from Houston. Songs like "Breakfast After Ten" keep the crowd reeling with emotions concerning aspects of a teenagers life such as relationships and depression. Blue October's lead singer, Justin Furstenfeld, gave an emotional and insightful description of the effects of depression that couldn't help but touch each member of the crowd. While there were amazing and riveting performances by Dexter Freebish and others, the general opinion was that Blue October was the band to see. As Canvas pointed out at the metro during the after party, "Blue October rocked!"

- Tyler S. Creighton
bandchat.org correspondent
Austin, TX
Summerfest