Some nights you go see a band and 30 minutes in you start looking at the clock and counting down to the end. Tonight was not one of those nights. O.A.R. (stands for Of A Revolution) played to a half-full crowd and it felt like a packed Wembley Stadium. Gaining steam throughout their almost two-hour set, the boys entertained us with old and newer stuff, including an unreleased track never played live before. The crowd ate it up, singing the lyrics sometimes to the obvious surprise of the lead singer.

The Commodore’s famous bouncy floor was in full effect as the younger crowd moshed, jumped and danced throughout the night. The obvious highlight was Crazy Game of Poker where everyone knew the song by heart but Lay Down, Hey Girl, Love and Memories (rock it out lads!!) and Nightshift grabbed the audience by the hearts and minds and didn’t let go.

Since I saw them last year at the same venue OAR has gotten tighter but has also begun to succumb (just a little) to the temptations of every funky rock band to stretch out the solos (a la Dave Matthews Band) though for the most it worked. I hope they don’t take it too far, though I doubt the audience really minded, given the amount of pot being smoked.

Opening for OAR was local boy Jeremy Fisher who laid down a nice funky, slightly country-inspired groove. Though not yet ready to fill the Commodore I’d happily see him play a smaller local venue again. It was especially nice to see him come down to the crowd after his set and talk to fans and pose for pictures.

It’s nice to see a band that plays to their fans and doesn’t run off after a quick hour-set. OAR definitely satisfied some long-time fans and made a bunch of new ones tonight. Next time they’re in your town, go check them out, you won’t be disappointed!!