Sonar sets itself apart from many bands of today with their vocal harmony arrangements and creative songwriting ability. Combining multiple changes, technical precision, professional musicianship, and catchy hooks, fans are left with a lasting impression that keeps them coming back for more. The band's influences are highly diverse, drawing on sounds from Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Tom Petty, King Sunny Ade, Yes, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, The Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin, Phish, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones and numerous others, which they apply to their own sound to make it both unique and fresh.
Sonar is comprised of Andrew Ranieri, lead vocals & guitar, Elliott James, drums & vocals, Chris Sullivan, guitar & vocals, and Rob Campbell, bass guitar and vocals, and Pete "Mad Scientist" Orenstein on Hammond B-3 and keyboards. While the group recently formed in April 2004, these faces are no strangers to the Orlando rock scene. Three of the members - Rob, Chris and Elliott - were formerly from Stolen Reign while Andrew, originally hailing from New York, performed for some time in Yahoot Magooty, a popular Orlando-based band. Pete Orenstein, the latest addition, spent 6 years performing with Orlando based touring band Kynda. They have performed at such noteable venues as Hard Rock Live, House of Blues Orlando, The Social, and The Back Booth in Orlando, while also playing venues such as the Palace Theater in Gainseville, FL. Their live show is full of energy which can be felt both from the group and audience, and the setlists change from night to night. Songs are also played with varying arrangements, all of which is designed to keep the fans guessing as to what will happen next. In the current music environment, Sonar is a breath of fresh air.
