Of a Revolution

Of a Revolution (O.A.R.) is a American band consisting of Marc Roberge (Vocals & Guitar), Chris Culos (Drums), Richard On (Lead Guitar), Benj Gershman (Bass), and Jerry DePizzo (Saxophone).

Background

O.A.R. was founded in 1996 by Marc Roberge and Chris Culos, who then each recruited Richard On and Benj Gershman. The four of them graduated from Thomas Sprigg Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland then moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend Ohio State University where they met Jerry DePizzo after their first CD The Wanderer had already been released. Without any formal marketing or advertising plans news about songs of theirs such as That Was a Crazy Game of Poker, City on Down and Night Shift spread by word of mouth alone. Their third album Risen debuted at #11 on the Billboard top internet sales chart. The following year in 2002 their fourth album Any Time Now debuted at #156 on Billboard's Top 200 list. The band attributes much of its popularity to the taping and subsequent trading and downloading of their live shows.

The Music

O.A.R.'s music is heavily influenced by many styles, particularly Rock and Reggae. It has also at times been stated that the band Pearl Jam has impacted their style, especially in their earlier years. Marc Roberge has been quoted on the topic of their many styles of music as saying that they "like to call it organized confusion". He is also quoted as saying that a reporter once called their music "a train wreck of many styles".

Discography

• The Wanderer (1997)
• Souls Aflame (1999)
• Risen (2001)
• Any Time Now (2002)
• In Between Now and Then (2003)
• 34th & 8th (2004)

External Links

• Official Page
• Official Message Board
• Setlist archive
• Arhive.org collection of Live recordings & Taping policy