Blue October: Justin Furstenfeld (vocals); CB Hudson (guitar); Ryan Delahoussaye (violin); Matt Noveskey (bass guitar); Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums).

Texas outfit Blue October have been gaining notoriety since the late 1990s with their brand of eclectic alt rock. 2006's FOILED builds on the band's past accomplishments, and represents one of their most focused and ambitious efforts. "Hate Me," the album's first single, shows that Blue October are no strangers to catchy, radio-ready songcraft, a quality that helps endear the group to many.

Yet Blue October are admirably restless, and seldom rely on formula. FOILED also ranges from subtle and introspective numbers ("18th Floor Balcony") to edgy hard rockers ("Drilled a Wire Through My Cheek") to electro-dance ("X Amount of Words"), making for a rock album with dimension, polish, and substance.