The Sacramento-based group Oleander continues to tear up rock and alternative radio with its current single "Why I'm Here," and this weekend the band will have a chance to mix business with a little R&R during a three-night club stand in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"Why I'm Here" is the first cut to be issued from Oleander's major-label debut, "February Son," which was produced by Steven Haigler, who also handled production for Fuel's "Sunburn," as well as engineering the Pixies' final album, "Trompe Le Monde."

Like most rock releases these days, "February Son" includes a cover of a classic '80s song, with Oleander choosing to rework the Cure's "Boys Don't Cry." In an interview with the MTV Radio Network, Oleander frontman Thomas Flowers explained why the band chose the remake the mope rock standard.

"I'm an unashamedly old Cure fan," Flowers said,

"So that was one aspect," he continued. "Most importantly, I think that lyrically, it couldn't describe my life or my songs any better." [RealAudio]

Life is indeed getting better for Oleander, who will hook up with Collective Soul after the band returns from Hawaii. Dates you can catch Oleander opening for Collective Soul (unless otherwise noted):

  • 7/6 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Washington Pavilion
  • 7/7 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Washington Pavilion
  • 7/8 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
  • 7/9 - Chicago, IL @ River North Festival (w/o Collective Soul)
  • 7/12 - Wausau, WI @ Grand Theater
  • 7/13 - South Bend, IN @ Heartland
  • 7/14 - Toledo, OH @ Peristyle Theater
  • 7/16 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
  • 7/17 - Lexington, KY @ Masterson Station Park
  • 7/18 - Louisville, KY @ Palace Theater
  • 7/21 - Portland, ME @ State Theater
  • 7/23 - Worcester, MA @ Commercial Street Cafe (w/o Collective Soul)
  • 7/25 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Sandcastle Stadium (w/o Collective Soul)
  • 7/29 - McAllen, TX @ Villa Real Convention Center
  • 7/30 - San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden Amphitheater
  • 7/31 - Dallas, TX @ Bronco Bowl
  • 8/1 - Oklahoma City, OK @ TNT Building
  • 8/6 - Fort Myers, FL @ Barbara B. Mann Hall
  • 8/9 - Savannah, GA @ Johnny Mercer Theater
  • 8/11 - Roanoke, VA @ Roanoke Civic Center