Album Notes

Dramatic Oil Company (February 2004)

Billy Levay – vocals, trumpet ۰ Aaron Grzasko – keyboards, vocals ۰ Conor Nelson – guitar ۰ Mike Dougherty – bass ۰ Trent Wolfred – drums, vocals

“The name of the band is Dramatic Oil Company,” announces the drummer as the lights dim and the band takes the stage. But, you may hear the fans filing into the club refer to them as Dramoco (“dram-OH-co”) for short. Furthermore, until their recent name change, the band was known as Furious Styles, and under this moniker built a reputation as one of the most solid and energetic acts on the Penn State / Central Pa. music scene.

Three years on a healthy gigging diet–with a couple of personnel changes along the way–and the concoction was set to simmer. Brewing beneath the facade of cover-friendly college-town band was a genuine lineup–five musicians who, over time, discovered how to truly play together and thereby established a distinctive musical chemistry.

When the proper temperature was reached, the solution boiled and sent churning into the air a sound that lies somewhere near the intersection of pop and indie rock, with a funky jam sensibility sharpened by the rigors and rewards of extensive live performance.

With multiple vocalists, a bevy of keyboard textures, and even the occasional trumpet popping up to expand upon robust guitar lines and an exceptionally tight rhythm section, Dramoco's sound is reminiscent of Ben Folds Five with a lot more guitar or Ben Kweller with a bit more groove. Certain moments in the music might even conjure visions of Phish on a three-minute power pop trip.

Hoping to capture these varied flavors on disc, Dramoco entered Castaway 7 Studios in Altoona, Pa. in the spring of 2003 to record their self-released debut. Titled Furious Styles as a nod to their past, the album serves as the footing from which they have propelled themselves forward as the newly-christened Dramatic Oil Company.

Amongst the seven tracks spanning 35 minutes, the stirring and strident opener “Pink to Red” and the acoustic guitar-driven retro pop of “Lemon Lime” stand out as the album’s radio-ready singles. Meanwhile, energetic romps such as “The Good Life” are alternated with tracks like “Soliloquy” and “Gospel of Trent,” which hint at the songcraft and musicianship that the band members keep right at the edges of their shirtsleeves.

It is in these latter tunes that the band feels their current direction is best captured. Without forgetting the perfect simplicity of pop, Dramoco has given increased focus to crafting and executing melodies and allowing the proper sonic space for each musician to shine. With these goals in mind, Dramoco aims to return to studio environs in the coming months to unleash a second batch of more-refined pop songwriting.

But first and foremost, with their college days at a close, the five members of Dramoco are eager and poised to expand their fan base through an increased show schedule within a larger touring radius. The guys are set to introduce themselves to new urban and college fans in spots throughout the East in the early months of 2004. Though they’re anxious to showcase their original material, Dramoco hasn’t forgotten how to slip a few covers into their sets—from fan favorites to slightly more obscure tunes.

Call them Dramatic Oil Company (if you’re not into the whole brevity thing) or just say “dram-OH-co.” Either way, while it might not be a name you’re quick to remember, it’s a name you won’t soon forget.