Critics are often confounded when trying to put a handle on Carbon Leaf's signature sound. Even so, the Richmond, Virginia-based band has still managed to gain a faithful following, enhanced by their populist appeal and a varied repertoire that combines alt-country, folk, indie rock and Celtic influences. It's served them well over a career spanning more than 30 years and some 20 albums. "All five members had different influences when we came together—from AC/DC to the Grateful Dead, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Neil Young, and from the Beach Boys to R.E.M.," founding member Barry Privett told Maryville Tennessee's Daily Times. "We were just throwing everything into the soup starting out ... It took us a while to add those influences in, but once we did, it opened up some doors to our sound that proved to be an interesting and enduring twist. It's nice to have different places to go stylistically ... I guess you could call us a rock band with folk roots." That definition is as good as any, having carved their own unique niche since claiming a major hit in 2004 with "Life Less Ordinary" after reaching the upper realms of Billboard's Adult Alternative chart. "Being a band—and staying a band—is incredibly challenging over time," Privett continued. "But really, just showing up creatively is the key." Happily, Carbon Leaf has managed to do that, and more. Carbon Leaf performs a 21+ show at The State Room on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 GA. Go to axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)