Blue October to make C-Bus return in support of new album, ‘Sway’

T. J. McGarry
Thu, 19 Sep 2013 02:58:41 +0000
Campus, blue october, bluesy alternative, justin furstenfeld, new album, sway

Blue October is slated to play at the Newport Music Hall Sept. 22. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Credit: Courtesy of Zayra Alvarez

October may be weeks away, but Blue October will make an appearance near campus Sunday.

In an interview with The Lantern, lead singer and guitarist Justin Furstenfeld described his group as an “eclectic alternative rock band,” that draws from influences like The Smiths and U2.

The show at the Newport is part of the band’s Sway tour promoting its seventh studio album, also titled “Sway.” Furstenfeld described this album as “more musically-driven” than previous albums. Furstenfeld, who has a history of depression and problems with anxiety, said this album is more positive than previous albums, which delved into his personal problems.

“This album is less about the turmoil I go through,” Furstenfeld said. “It’s about reaching a different point in your life.”

Furstenfeld said doing the album was a good experience for him and his bandmates, which include drummer and brother Jeremy Furstenfeld, violinist Ryan Delahoussaye, bassist Matt Noveskey and lead guitarist Brant Coulter.

“We did that album (Sway) for the band,” Justin Furstenfeld said. “It’s about how wonderful the place that I’m in now is.”

Justin Furstenfeld, who took part in the writing all 13 songs on “Sway,” said the song “Fear” was the most significant to him.

Justin Furstenfeld said the band is excited to be back playing in Columbus since their last performance in 2012.

“You guys are crazy,” said Justin Furstenfeld regarding Ohio State students. “You guys are some partiers.”

Even though the concert is intended to promote Blue October’s new album, Justin Furstenfeld said the band will play some of their old hits such as “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me” off 2006 album “Foiled.”

Second-year in zoology Tyler Powell said he enjoys the band’s music, citing the rhythmic guitar playing as something that he likes in “Into the Ocean.”

“I like how (the song) got progressively more intense, the way the guitar got greater as (the band) kept going,” Powell said.

The band is scheduled to perform at Newport Music Hall Sunday, doors open at 7 p.m.

General admission tickets are available for $25 at the door and on Ticketmaster. The Last Place You Look and Tori Vasquez are scheduled to open the show.