Blue October Creates a Homey Single Bound To Spur Memories

What a wild ride it has been for Houston based Blue October. Back in 206 Justin Furstenfeld was so anguish besotted throughout "Hate Me". In fairness his dark night of the soul led to it being such an amazing track. Fast forward to 2016 and we get a Justin who's comfortable with who he is and what the future holds for him. The title cut to the new "Home" album shipped in warm fuzzies right and left. For starters has there ever been quite a cuddle worthy acoustic guitar to hitch your wagon to. It's as if you're at a tranquil beach where the stress crushing waves keep right on flowing, breaking down your sorrows piece by piece. Then during the second frames piano adds to the aural massage parlor exemplary vibes. Nice job on that Ryan Delahoussaye. Matthew Ostrander excels in the bass department. You can picture the moving van allowing for a fresh new life to start assuming positive aspirations. Justin 2006 could never have put these particular sentiments to paper..."I'll smile if I want to. I'm not afraid, gonna flaunt it too. What a glow when you're living true. Yeah." It's rewarding to hear a fellow panic disorder sufferer find his way out of the persistent darkness. The longer you listen, the more inclined you are to root for Justin to get the peace he has fought so hard to obtain. The prevailing color is revitalizing maize, kind of like the color of ready to nosh corn on the cob to be presented at the picnic table where Justin would most likely be seated with the family and good friends he has newfound appreciation for. The song opens very humbly but that doesn't mean simple victories aren't being claimed. The following words show Justin had help getting his head screwed on straight (as we all do at some point.) "I'm living for the right now. I had a few friends show me how. I take a deep breath and blow it out. Let it go. This guy's a far cry from "Hate me today. Hate me tomorrow", huh. Justin's soft vocal affectations lend a paternal manchild delicateness of attitude to the proceedings. You dig his optimism for the future. The dread has been stripped down to the bone, leaving room for the light to nudge its way into welcoming crevices. Brother Jeremy percussion taps sound almost like a crowd of supporters during football season rooting for their local heroes from the nosebleed bleacher seats. Jeremy's not so much a role player as he is the wind beneath his complex brother's sails. The simple and not so simple pleasures of life carry "Home" to remarkable heights. At the 2:00 mark you can tell the excitement for buried ghosts has begun to hit laudable heights. All the hands on deck kick "Home" up to a friendlier notch. Justin didn't have to opt for a personality overhaul but the reward for his taking the risk looks immeasurable. You can feel his smile at the microphone washing over everybody he comes in contact with. The most telling glances at Justin's increased maturity come with the lines: "We all get to see who we grow up to be." Life at its core is a story and the excitement over learning who you turn into smacks of universal appeal. "Home" stands an excellent chance of allowing large quantities of listeners to feel at home with daring to spread their wings and fly, to leave past hurts in the past where they belong. "Home" lays down a pretty inviting instrumental welcome mat. Think of Justin as the neighbor offering you the sugar you've seeking way too long.