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RECORDINGS REVIEW Of A Revolution Mixes Rock, Reggae on King O By Elora Walsh f a Revolution, better known as O.A.R., make a versatile come back with their August 2011 release of King. The album also has a deluxe edition with four bonus tracks. Founded in Rockville, MD, O.A.R. is a five-piece rock band. Frontman Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos founded the band in 1996. O.A.R. (short for "of a revolution") selfreleased their first album The Wanderer in 1997. Their 2008 single "Shattered (Turn the Car Around)" peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks chart and was also used in an advertisement for the Blackberry Storm. The 16-track album opens with "King." This hard-hitting opener features Russell Simmons and DJ Logic. The song introduction sets the scene with bold trumpet notes mixed with deep, effective string undertones. Roberge hits the vocal open with a loud "Hey king, here come the wanderer" which references O.A.R.'s first album. Lyrically "King" offers a statement of comeback. "You see, it took minutes to change and just like that brought me back to the frame" tells listeners they are back and ready to rock. Simmons continues the inspiration with a quote focusing on change and power that teams up with overall theme of the album. The trumpet, though put back behind the vocals in the chorus, helps create that bold and strong personality of the song that pairs with the lyrics so well. Change can be a good thing and O.A.R. really proved that with "King." In the number four slot is O.A.R.'s 2011 BREVARD continued from page 17 At the 1971 SAI National Convention in Atlanta (also the site of the upcoming 2012 convention), the financial support for a Practice Cabin at the Brevard Music Center was announced. A major scholarship program for more than 75 percent of its students is solicited annually from individuals, corporations, and foundations. SAI Philanthropies, Inc., through the generosity of SAI members, has provided an annual summer scholarships since 1976. This year's recipients of the SAI scholarship to the center are violinist Raquel Ravaglioli from California and pianist Taylor Burkhardt of 18 PAN PIPES FALL 2011 sai-national.org single "Heaven," released on June 7. The song opens with an electronic sound with strings and choral voices leading into Roberge's vocals. The introduction gives off a pop-band sound, almost like a cross between Big Time Rush and One Republic, which continues during the chorus. The instrumentals mellow out as the track progresses with a mix of percussion and acoustic guitar. The upbeat yet mellow guitar combines the song's theme of taking time to build your life and relaxing but enjoying love in one another Lyrics such as, "You take the left, I'll take the right" paints a picture of relationship that is equal and thriving. "Heaven" tells listeners that it is okay to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the moment. Overall, the song offers a great message, but with a tune that could blend into the background. King features three interludes that bring a rocky ska/reggae sound that show off their Missouri. Since 2002, Brevard Music Center has presented chamber concerts in the concert hall of the Porter Center at nearby Brevard College. In October 2007, SAI National Arts Associate, Keith Lockhart was appointed Brevard's fourth Artistic Director. An alumnus of the Music Center, he is conductor of the famed Boston Pops, Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and Music Director Emeritus of the Utah Symphony. Mr. Lockhart remained connected to the Music Center throughout the rise of his impressive career, often appearing as guest conductor of both the student and professional orchestras. instrumental skill and style. The first interlude titled "We Made It" combines ska with an electronic twist. The beat is very defining and, when combined with the melody, created a jazzy feel. The second interlude, "Brand New" sticks with the jazzy tone as it features a saxophone solo. The reggae harmony mellows out the album and lets listeners escape to a calm and carefree getaway. The interlude ends with audio from a conversation in which they promote an O.A.R. performance. The last interlude, "Wicked Storm" lays down more of a rock feel with a very dominate tempo. The jazzy element continues with multiple conversations between electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar and saxophone. King provides a combination of classic rock O.A.R. with a touch of carefree and fun reggae and ska. They are currently signed with Wind-up Records which is associated with other artists such as Finger Eleven, Creed, and Cartel. Elora Walsh is a senior majoring in communications with a minor in music at Clairon University of Pennsylvania. At Clarion, Elora is the editor-in-chief of The Clarion Call, Programming Director of WCUC-FM, President of the Society for Collegiate Journalists, and President of the Kappa Eta Chapter of SAI. CLICK FOR MORE To learn more about O.A.R., visit ofarevolution.com He is dedicated to preserving the history and advancing the ongoing educational mission of the Music Center. "Brevard held many 'firsts' for me: first conducting lessons, first great operas and symphonies," Lockhart said upon being named Artistic Director. "It was also when I first realized that music was going to be my life." CLICK FOR MORE To learn more about the Brevard Music Center, visit brevardmusic.org

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