I recently wrote a glowing review of the new album from pop-punkers Yellowcard, Paper Walls. It features some of their strongest music to date and a renewed energy that eclipses line-up changes, rumors of band dissention, and slow album sales.

It was with that in mind that I descended upon the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach recently, to take in a Yellowcard show. This was to be my 13th time seeing the band, having been a fan since they first began touring to support their album One for the Kids in 2000.

That first time I saw them was in Greensboro, NC at a place literally and most appropriately called Hole in the Wall. The venue was (and still is) on the back half of a building, with no good signage, and doesn’t even boast a stage. There were maybe 30 people total there that night, and only a couple of us were there expressly to see Yellowcard. They played third of five bands and they were excellent. It was one of those rare occasions when you see a band live and know that you are seeing something special.

It has been no surprise to me, over these past seven years, to see YC grow in popularity as a band. The Jacksonville, Florida quintet create some of the catchiest and most unique pop-rock around.

But before I launch into a detailed set critique, I should mention the other three bands that dropped sweat in Myrtle Beach. Opening the show was Ozma, who I have heard described as “Weezer-lite” on more than one occasion. They most definitely lived up to that description and played a good set, although an extremely short one with just six songs.

Next up was Shiny Toy Guns. I knew of this band only in name and in the short clip of their song “Le Disko,” featured in the new MOTORAZR2 commercial. What I know about them now is that they are an interesting young elctronica/rock band who translate well live. They have an interesting dichotomy with Chad Petree and Charah Faye Charnow switching off on vocals, all while Charnow and Jeremy Dawson take turns on bass and keyboards.

Both vocalists have outstanding voices, but a major problem is in their showmanship. I found that it is indeed possible to overuse a fog machine and flashing lights. We are probably lucky that no one had a seizure from it all. It was sad because it had a tendency to overshadow the exceedingly lovely music from a talented band. They ended things up with “You Are the One,” a track you should absolutely check out right this very minute.

Blue October were the headliners. This Houston, Texas band had made their way onto my mp3 player only in the form of their singles “Hate Me” and “Calling You.” I was intrigued about seeing the rockers live, because like Yellowcard, they feature a violinist (he also plays viola, mandolin, and piano).