Take one part Dave Matthews Band, one part Slightly Stoopid and an ounce of the Verve Pipe, stir it up and you’ve got O.A.R. Surprisingly, the reggae-pop-rock mixology works.

The grass-roots quintet distills any notion that it’s just another garage band with such catchy tunes as “Program Director,” “Dakota” and “Lay Down.” Frontman Marc Roberge finally serves what his audience has craved for nine years – a crisp production with a bold sound. O.A.R.’s refined delivery on “Stories of a Stranger” is a quantum leap from its days of playing frat parties.

– MICHAEL KUHLMANN

This reviews originally appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune.