Oer the Ramparts: "these boys are darn good live. On stage it's like seeing four polecats in a bag …"

Thrasher Magazine, April, 2005

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE RISE, remove your hats, and place your hands over your hearts. The "Star Spangled Banner" is one of the cherished artifacts of American life. Sometimes the impact of its message may be forgotten, and in trying times remembered and quietly contemplated again. Please pause, after the applause. The band? The reason for the name and the reason for the game? A modern approach and adaptation of Francis Scott Key's lyrical genius, taken a little further out west. Oer The Ramparts, a true American band with one musical message in mind, keeping those musical bombs bursting in the air.--Emag

Gallantly did you watch? What? I was so sure you did. Should you vote? You sure should have. I just remembered there is something else you should do. Find a simple wind that sails your mind and body to Denver, Colorado; don't even think about the avalanches of mountain snow. Find a cozy bar and step inside for a spell. Locate that lonely bar stool and have a seat along the bar's rail, domestic beer the aroma and deodorizer of the room. The Hi Dive or the Larimer Lounge suit just fine. Now hope the band is playing tonight. Live! If you feel so inclined get them feet tapping, forget it all and listen. Don't get confused and feel stuck on the wrong side of town. You only lost your shoe about an hour ago and you might want to go home. When reality snaps back, you realize you were just cruising along with the sounds of the band and worries of a quarterback with one yard to go on the third down.

Oer the Ramparts, a band, with Aaron Betcher, Chad Peterson, Dan McDermott, Tim Nakari. They got a black and white television and they make up the show. A tiny "covered" wagon might be in tow with occasional tunes by GBV, Bowie, Pavement and The Stooges thrown in the campfire stew. These boys are darn good live. On stage it's like seeing four polecats in a bag, except the sounds ain't hissin' and screamin', just down right rockin'. These fellers sure do creep around the stage, too. I don't want to name names, but, some can't stay in their shirts, others swing around guitars and drop 'em without missin' a beat. There is plenty of dancing from the rhythm man, and one of them gets so cantankerous at times he might just headbutt the monitor hanging from the rafters. Leave your six guns at the door; get ready for some hootin' and hollerin', and a powerful whiskey thirst. OTR is a rocking match to the PBR, both are powerfully good and real easy to enjoy.

New album Mandatory ESP is out now. Make sure to check them live in D town or on the dusty trail somewhere. There is gold in them Rocky Mountains and it can be found just about anywhere. Who knows what fortune you might find; there is no control in the search and the outcome of it all. If you plan on going early don't forget your board, 'cause Tim and Aaron are down for a curb session any time. Check these guys out at www.oertheramparts.com, where you can find show dates, MP3s, and buy CDs. Simply said, my friends: find and listen. It couldn't possibly hurt.

"Lets get it on! Yee-haw!"