Oka Road by Oka Road

and by that I mean the melodies stick in your mind long after the CD is done playing. (These) guys have successfully interwoven a number of different stylings and yet at the same time kept it consistent throughout, (they) have got (their) signature sound right out of the bag, and that can be one of the hardest things to do!

(They) have proven (themselves) to be excellent musicians and songwriters and have a distinctive sound that just goes hand in hand with the band's name.

(There's) a lot of songs for a first CD, and for a first effort it is as professional as anything you can buy off the shelf in a store. The guitar work is awesome!

Excellent excellent excellent. Oka Road rocks.

Amanda Martinez, Good Times May 14-20, 2003

If you've spent any time listening to baby, burgeoning rock bands that are desperately hoping to mature, you must be familiar with the chaotic mish-mash of musically well-meant intentions. You must also be familiar with the incredible satisfaction that comes from hearing a band synthesize its music into a cohesive and desirable sound. Oka Road will stir up your nostalgia for the latter with its wholesome alternative rock. The lead singer's voice has all of the endearing, gritty sensitivity found in the sexy lead voice of the band Creed. The instrumentals combine the frequent use of popular rock devices with original melodies for a comfortably, captivating blend of known and new. See them while they're local and free because these guys may be well on their way to having faraway tour commitments and their own CD place card in record stores everywhere.

Lindsey M. Keen, NowOnTour.com-September 26, 2003

Oka Road, a street in California or a band that stretches the diversity of modern music? Oka Road gives the trendy scene of San Francisco and Santa Cruz a combination of alternative, rock, jazz and funk

The organic blend of Kevin Martin on acoustic guitar and Mike Orlando playing percussion offers lead vocalist Rob Owen a sundry setting, giving him room to explore his vocal range. The mishmash of Owen's alternative sound, John Busboom's refined talent on the electric guitar, Will Bright's ballistic bass and Dave McReynolds' extraordinary speed on double bass drums will challenge the listener's average rock band for a new spot in their everyday CD rotation.

It's the polished lyrics of "Stay Today" that changes the deceptive initial facade of grunge and funk by making a more noticeable proclamation, pushing the limits of today's popular rock music. Then there's "Call," a tantalizing shout that finds reasons to escape from the ever-changing, fast paced world. The melodic thundering beat, stinging cymbals and thrilling echo of the electric guitar are carried throughout the track. I'd have to say that the closing song, "Goath" is a personal favorite of mine. It's a sweet, soothing, instrumental lullabye.

It's unique, semi-divisive sound penetrates the nerve of pop music and makes room for a new, inventive style of rock-n-roll. So, if you're hooked on the sound of an alternative lead vocalist, jamming guitars, thumping bongo drums and provocative drum beats, then make an effort to pinch back some pennies for Oka Road's self-titled album.

Average Customer Review: