The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/26/02 Section: Variety

Of A Revolution (O.A.R.) is a mix between rock and reggae that started in Maryland in 1997. They will play at 10 tonight at the Georgia Theatre. (Special • The Red & Black) [Click to enlarge]

Though fans usually call the band 'oar,' " Of A Revolution," also known as O.A.R., never intended to be referred to as a piece of rowing equipment.

O.A.R.'s mix of rock and reggae began as a daily ritual between two junior high school students -- vocalist and rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos.

Lead guitarist Richard On and bass player Benj Gershman soon joined.

"We were just jamming out, and we found this sound," On said. "We hadn't heard anything like it on the radio, and it just stuck."

In 1997, O.A.R. started playing in Maryland. Then, the group released a live album titled "The Wanderer."

Soon, all four members decided to enroll at Ohio State University. Each member made sure not to have classes on Fridays so the band could play three shows at the end of each week.

During the summer of 1998, the band released "Souls Aflame." The album included Jerry DePizzo, who soon became the fifth member of the band, on saxophone.

After touring extensively in cities such as Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, O.A.R. grew in popularity throughout Ohio.

In June of 2001, after leaving Ohio State, O.A.R. started touring full-time.

O.A.R. Playing With: Fighting Gravity When & Where: 10 tonight at the Georgia Theatre Tickets: $15 Information: 549-9918

"Chris and Marc graduated," On said. "The rest of us are just taking some time off."

The same year, O.A.R. released "Risen," which On said is the band's first professional studio experience.

The band has sold more than 50,000 copies of "Risen" to date. The band's music also has spread rapidly on the Internet through the use of file-sharing services such as Napster.

"The Internet has been good to us," On said. "We used to sell or give away CDs, and fans would distribute them online. For us, if anyone can hear our music, that's great, whether or not they pay for it."

On said most of O.A.R.'s lyrics are based on a short story Roberge wrote called "The Wanderer," a narrative about the journeys of a traveler.

On also said O.A.R. shines brighter onstage than in studio.

"Playing live is what we feed on because it gives us a chance to improvise," he said. "It seems a lot more magical and spontaneous."

While O.A.R. has toured throughout the country, this will be only the band's second time playing in the Southeast.

In addition to touring, O.A.R. will release a two-disc live album, "Any Time Now," on May 7.

While O.A.R. has yet to receive widespread radio play or time on MTV, the band remains cautious and confident with regards to the idea of greater exposure.

"We don't want to be overplayed," he said. "Radio and MTV can kill you. You have to be very careful

about how you market that. You have to keep your integrity."

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