Reeve Oliver is an American pop rock band formed in 2000 in San Diego, California. They have released two albums and several EPs and have toured with larger acts such as The Vandals, Yellowcard, and Switchfoot. They have been locally recognized at the San Diego Music Awards, earning "best rock album" in 2003 for The Reeveolution EP and again in 2005 for Reeve Oliver, and being named "best rock act" at the 2006 awards.[1]

Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver performing at San Diego State University, April 2007. Left to right: Sean O'Donnell, Brad Davis, and O.
Reeve Oliver performing at San Diego State University, April 2007. Left to right: Sean O'Donnell, Brad Davis, and O.
Background information
OriginSan Diego, California
GenresPop rock, Emo
Years active2000–present
LabelsThe Militia Group
MembersSean O'Donnell
Brad Davis
Past membersO
Jason Harper
Brandon Young
Websitemyspace.com/reeveoliver

Band history

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Reeve Oliver was formed by vocalist/guitarist Sean O'Donnell while he was a member of the Christian punk band Dogwood. While writing songs for Dogwood, O'Donnell found himself writing more pop-based rock songs as well that did not fit the band's style. When Dogwood's album Building a Better Me was completed ahead of schedule, O'Donnell and Noise Ratchet drummer Brandon Young used the remaining studio time to record Reeve Oliver's first 5-song demo. O'Donnell left Dogwood in 2001 and he and Young formed Reeve Oliver as a full-time band, initially with Dogwood bassist Jason Harper who soon left and was replaced by Otis Bartholameu of the band Fluf (known simply by his first initial, O).[2] Eventually Young's commitments to Noise Ratchet led to his replacement by Brad Davis, a longtime friend of O'Donnell's. O'Donnell and Davis also work as entertainers and show hosts at SeaWorld.[2]

In 2003 Reeve Oliver was awarded "best rock album" at the San Diego Music Awards for The Reeveolution EP.[3] This was followed by their debut self-titled album in 2005 which received the same award, and a 2006 award for "best rock act."[4] During this time the band performed as the opening act for Yellowcard on tour and also performed on the Warped Tour. In 2006 the band signed to major label Capitol, however they were soon dropped during the label's merger with Virgin. In March 2007 they released The Endless Bummer EP through Apple Danish Records. That December they self-released their second album Touchtone Inferno!!!, recorded under their contract with Capitol.

In February 2009 O'Donnell announced his involvement in a new musical project called Big If with Ryan Key of Yellowcard. This effectively put Reeve Oliver on hiatus, with Key stating that "Neither Yellowcard or Reeve Oliver feel like it is necessary to announce official break ups. There may come a time down the road where we want to get together and play shows with those bands. Who knows when that may be, but we aren't ruling it out completely."[5] O'Donnell went on to serve as the bassist for Yellowcard from April 2010 until February 2012.

Band members

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Current members

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Former members

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  • O (Otis Barthoulameu) – bass, backing vocals (died 2023)
  • Jason Harper – guitar
  • Brandon Young – drums

Discography

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Albums

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Year Title Label
2004 Reeve Oliver The Militia Group
2007 Touchtone Inferno!!! Summertone/Apple Danish
Year Title Label
2001 Yer Gonna Win
2002 The California EP
2003 The Reeveolution EP Redsand Clothing
2004 The Baldachu EP
2005 Takeover Records 3-Way Issue#2 Takeover
2007 The Endless Bummer EP Apple Danish

Non-album tracks

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Year Title Label Song(s)
"Santa Has Got Reindeer on His Mind"

Videography

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Music videos

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Year Title Album
2004 "I Want Burns" Reeve Oliver

References

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  1. ^ "Reeve Oliver". San Diego Reader. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  2. ^ a b "San Diego CityBeat". sdcitybeat.com. Archived from the original on 2005-01-24. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
  3. ^ "Melodic Net - We Rock, Do you?". melodic.net. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  4. ^ "San Diego Music Awards". Retrieved 2007-03-26.
  5. ^ "Yellowcard, Reeve Oliver members form Big If, put former bands on hiatus". Punknews.org. 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2008-02-25.
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