The crown princes of DIY rock continue their benevolent reign over the airwaves with the release of Stories of a Stranger, a collection of pop/rock (and sometimes reggae-tinged) jewels that capture the band’s youthful college-rock vibe while raising the emotional bar with heavy-hitting explorations of growing older and wiser. Riding the wave of popularity driven by its new single, “Love and Memories,” O.A.R. will perform Tuesday, April 18 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Standing for “of a revolution,” O.A.R. consists of lead singer/rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge, lead guitarist Richard On, saxist Jerry DePizzo, bassist Benj Gershman and drummer Chris Culos.
The band got its start as a fraternity favorite at Ohio State and made its first demos in 1997 (The Wanderer) and 1999 (Souls Aflame).
When it became clear that O.A.R. was destined for more than just the college circuit, both records were later re-released in 2001.
The band’s increasing popularity led to Risen, recorded in summer 2000 with producer John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, Ben Folds Five).
By the release of Risen on February 2001, the band’s grassroots following was so great that the disc – without the support of a major label – debuted at No. 11 on Billboard magazine’s Top Internet Album Sales chart in Billboard.
Technically O.A.R.’s fourth record, Stories of a Stranger represents the band’s debut as a full-fledged artistic entity.
Propelled by Roberge’s energetic and engaging songs, the royal rockers known as O.A.R. are just beginning to rule.

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