By Michelle V. Gonzales
Daily Bruin Contributor
The House of Blues wasn’t just a building on Sunset Monday
night. It became a backyard barbecue fiesta, with the band Of a
Revolution, better known as O.A.R., supplying the good times.
The audience was a bunch of 20-somethings decked out in GAP
gear. They swayed, clapped and danced along, with a beer in one
hand and a friend in another. O.A.R.’s predominantly college
audience filled the floors of the House of Blues, demonstrating
that a radio-friendly single is unnecessary for reaching out to
fans.
The night opened with acts Howie Day and Left Undone.
Chicago-native Left Undone proceeded to play its funk-jazz rock
through most of the evening but surprisingly ended its set with a
kiss-off song enhanced by a spastic southern rock tone guest
harmonica player.
The East Coasters, O.A.R., fueled the enthusiasm of the
generously energetic crowd with songs off their current release
“Risen,” on their own label, Everfine Records.
Currently touring at small clubs around the country, O.A.R. has
built a strong following with its own perseverance and word of
mouth.
O.A.R.’s set was impressive, capturing upbeat melodies and
the band’s self-proclaimed “island-vibes roots
rock.”
The band provided a mellow energy with nothing too overpowering
in the sound. The music often resembled the sound of a jam session,
with intros and spaces for improvisations and solos. Saxophonist
Jerry DePizzo jazzed up the sets with his improvised solos.
Guitarist Richard On and lead singer/guitarist Marc Roberge had
room to display their solo improvisations as well. Roberge’s
vocals sounded as if he were singing from the bottom of his
stomach, but his growlings reflected the emotional connection he
has to the lyrics.
There was nothing very revolutionary about the live performance
““ the vibe was good and mellow and fun. Often the songs
sounded alike and one was just following the other. But each song
did have its own unique presence, and the audience was sure of it,
illustrated by the responsive calls of approval.
The band had the ability to tap into the emotions of its
audience, as seen through the energetic responses to the chosen
songs ““ the audience was singing louder than Roberge
himself.
The band sampled Bob Marley’s “Stir it Up,”
reiterating the reggae-ska sound it emulates, and also did not
neglect the pop world, throwing in a rendition of U2’s
“With or Without You.” Everyone, even the band members,
kicked back with a beer and participated in good old-time
sing-alongs. The band tapped into the audience’s fun time
reserve. Those who hung near the bar and along the walls danced and
moved along the walkway, searching for outlets to express their
good vibes.
O.A.R.’s studio CD isn’t able to demonstrate how
well the band plays live. Although some of the band members seemed
detached from the audience and from playing live, the music
displayed the talent the band has, as well as its interpretations
of reggae, ska, jazz and rock.
The night was indeed complete with a smell reminiscent of
backyard parties. The House specials of Creole chicken, nachos and
buffalo wings, although staples to the House of Blues, seemed
particularly appropriate, adding to the kick-back flavor of the
show. It had beer, nachos, friends and music: all the elements of a
feel-good rock show.