O.A.R.: Let the revolution begin!

Albuquerque

Their sound is fresh and passionate. Their style is real and relaxed. Without a doubt, the five best friends of O.A.R. (of a revolution) have gained a loyal following in the Land of Enchantment.

The highlight of the Jeep Outside World Festival came Sunday when O.A.R. took the stage at the Journal Pavilion to perform a medley of songs consisting of rock, reggae, ska and folk coupled with carefully selected lyrics and upbeat grooves.

Unforgettable memories rose from the stage, despite the dry summer heat. For almost an hour, Marc Roberge, vocals/rhythm guitar; Chris Culos, drums; Benj Gershman, bass; Richard On, guitar; and Jerry DePizzo, saxophone, rocked on and charged the crowd, going with their captivating energy.

“Something always comes from the music, anyway” is the band’s introduction to their newest album, a live double disc set, “Any Time Now.” With powerful, thought-provoking lyrics, lead singer Marc Roberge made a personal connection with the crowd. From those relaxing on the lawn to the fans sitting right in front of the stage, the crowd was mesmerized by his rough yet gentle voice.

In “About An Hour Ago,” a smile formed across Marc’s face as he sang about heading down south to New Mexico. The concert became a sing-along, as fans joined Marc to tell the tale of The Wanderer walking along the road of life.

The good vibe spread as O.A.R. continued with the crowd-pleaser “Hey Girl” and the whopping 13-minute long “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker” from disc two of “Any Time Now.”

Why, oh, why, did the hour with O.A.R. have to come to a close? Performer-songwriter Clay Steakley says it best when he describes the magic of O.A.R.

“From their beginnings as a high school basement band, exploring the irresitistable youthful urge to make noise, to their current status as a college rock phenomenon, O.A.R. has remained grounded and grateful at every step. The music, of course, is the key. O.A.R. plays a lusty, driving train wreck of jam, roots rock and ska, with a liberal amount of reggae and honest, raw songwriting.”

Although O.A.R. may have begun their musical journey on a sound based solely on feeling, these young rockers in their early 20s have inspired an entire movement with live music. We want more.

No one else captures the excitement of live rock quite like these guys who began their musical journey back in high school in Ohio. It feels good to know we’re making history by catching them during the early stages of their career.

After listening to them live, concert-goers flocked to the autograph tent to meet the band and have their CDs branded with the black-marker signatures of Mark, Benj, Jerry, Richard and Chris.

Who else do you know that goes out and directly meets the fans? Not many bands today take time out of their busy tour day to talk with fans and sit and sign autographs for hours on end. Yes, a personal connection is what separtes O.A.R. from the rest of the rock world.

Even if it was for only 50 minutes, New Mexico got a taste of O.A.R., and the band made a lasting impression. If you haven’t heard them, do yourself a favor and add them to list of music must-haves.

What are you waiting for? Join the revolution. Run to the nearest music store and get your hands on a copy of the new O.A.R. CD, “Any Time Now.” You will be oh-so-glad you did.