With only a half full venue it’s tough to get the energy level going for your set, but when O.A.R. took the stage, excitement ran through the crowd. The fans packed themselves as close to the stage as possible, singing along to every song.

The band sounded tight, and it should, its members have been together for over 10 years. However, they seemed calm. The only sense of real emotion came from the vocals and not much else.

Perhaps the empty balcony area had an affect on the mood of the band, but the show felt average. Nothing amazing came off the stage.

The set was filled with songs most of the crowd knew, and each person who came to see the band was happy. The question: Is that enough? What about turning casual fans into those that know every hook and verse?

By the last song I understood what the diehard fans were into, but it seemed like the band was holding back, almost depriving the audience of something more. The blank faces on a quarter of the crowd affirmed the fact that they were not a part of the same thing the rest of the audience was into.

When there is so much competition for an audience these days, bands need to give more if they expect to get those seats filled. In the end, if you are a fan of O.A.R., then get to a show. But if you’re thinking about making them one of your top five deserted island bands, you might end up grasping for more.