The mounting excitement of SXSW peaked for Josh Ritter [ tickets ] at his own Saturday evening (3/18) performance. "It feels like the last night of summer camp," the beaming singer-songwriter exclaimed as he strapped on his acoustic guitar and prepared for his last festival showcase.

The young Idaho native, a slender, ever-jubilant man with a mop of chestnut curls, performed one of his heaviest numbers first. "Girl in the War," a chilling tale of concern regarding the current Middle Eastern conflict, moved some while others, anticipating quicker beats and lighter subjects, stirred throughout the club. Those familiar with Ritter's style, however, knew to expect nothing short of meaningful, thought-provoking material from this man who revealed earlier on that he spends most of his days in a "state of confusion."

"In the Dark" and "Good Man," both featured on his upcoming release entitled "Animal Years," emphasized the folk-rock influence Ritter found in legends like John Prine, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. His happy-go-lucky attitude, even when up against some weighty topics, soothed the audience, holding its attention through occasional moments of ennui.

Ritter's bandmates (guitarist/bassist Zach Hickman, pianist/keyboardist Sam Kassirer, and drummer Dave Hingerty) supported him adequately, but none of the musicians stood out with inventive, awe-inspiring elements. Instead, Josh Ritter and company played a safe, by-the-book set that left fans fulfilled and unfamiliar listeners impartial.