More than just pretty faces

Finding a band that sounds as talented live as they do on their recordings has become a difficult feat for those who value musical talent over good looks. O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) proved themselves to be one of these real-talent bands, demonstrated by their amazing performance last Friday at the University of Rhode Island. Meredith Barrett, 21, of Plymouth State University said, “I think their intimate performance, along with their talent led to their sounding better live than out of a recording studio. A packed Ryan Center received O.A.R. with a warm welcome and the Ohio State University founded band was quick to mirror the audience’s enthusiasm. Barrett added, “It was amazing! Such a fun show! The band had such a relaxed, ‘togetherness’ relationship with each other and with the audience.” Performing such hits as “Hey Girl” and “Crazy Game of Poker,” the band, headed by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge, drove the crowd wild, quite literally. Audience members were body surfing and pushing each other out of the way to get to the front of the stage. Some members were even reprimanded for such behavior by the band. Roberge told a male audience member who was trying to lift a girl up to body surf against her will, that “you have no right to touch a woman in a way she doesn’t want to be touched. So get your f***ing hands off her.” However, despite this one incident, the show was a huge hit. Though Roberge was the stand out performer, all the band members were equally talented. Other members include Jerry DePizzo on saxophone, Benj Gershman on bass, Richard On on lead guitar and Chris Culos on the drums. For more information on tour dates, band member biographies, and sample music check O.A.R. out at www.ofarevolution.com.