With vibrant reggae-saturated sounds, meaningful lyrics and energetic beats, O.A.R. (short for “Of A Revolution”) has set the standard for experimental rock. Almost ten years old, the headlining band has recorded seven albums, sold several hundred thousand copies, and performed with the likes of Dave Matthews Band and Phish. “The thing about bands like us is that we connect with kids because we get out there and play what we know how to play, it is not going to sound polished…it’s not going to sound all technical…with effects and this and that,” bassist Benj Gershman says of O.A.R. “It’s just what we’re playing like you’d play in your basement. I think that is what this community is about now. It’s natural. It’s something that anybody could get up there and kind of be a part of.”

The band formed back in 1998 at Ohio State University, but leader singer and rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos began developing their musical talents while in middle school in Rockville, MD. The two friends met daily after school, practicing their music in an old basement and fusing the sounds of rock, reggae, ska and folk and poignant, raw lyrics to create their own original sound. In high school, lead guitarist Richard On and bass guitarist Benj Gershman joined the group and the four members coined the name, “Of A Revolution,” later abbreviated to O.A.R. The group played locally in Maryland, but in the fall of 1997 they left to attend Ohio State. The band’s first album, “The Wanderer,” was an underground hit and featured the popular song “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” Roberge’s interest in literature sparked an influence on much of the band’s song lyrics. O.A.R began recording their second album, “Souls Aflame,” in the summer of 1998 with saxophonist Jerry DePizzo from Youngstown, OH, who later completed O.A.R. by becoming its fifth and final member.

Throughout the next year, O.A.R.’s success grew and their unique sound resonated among eager fans. They played in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina and Maryland, while also balancing a full-time college course load. Their third album, “Risen,” was produced by John Alagía (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jason Mraz) and released in February 2001 by Everfine Records and debuted at number 11 on Billboard’s Top Internet Album Sales. “The Wanderer” and “Souls Aflame” were both reissued in 2001 by the label. “Any Time Now” was released in the spring of 2002 and the band signed with Lava/Atlantic Records for the release of “In Between Now and Then” in 2003. Their sixth album, “34th & 8th”, was released in 2004 and in 2005, O.A.R. released their seventh album, “Stories of a Stranger”. Their latest album features the hit singles “Love And Memories,” full of nostalgic lyrics, and the island pop rock infused “Lay Down”.

O.A.R is currently touring throughout the U.S., so check out their schedule. You can find more information on their official website, www.ofarevolution.com, or at www.myspace.com/ofarevolution.

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