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 bandFluf. 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. In 2003 Reeve Oliver was awarded "best rock album" at the San Diego Music Awards for The Reeveolution EP. This was followed by their debut self-titled album in 2005 which received the same award, and a 2006 award for "best rock act." 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 albumTouchtone Inferno!!!, recorded under their contract with Capitol. The album was released by Apple Danish/Summertone through iTunes and is currently being finalized for a CD release. 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." O'Donnell went on to serve as the bassist for Yellowcard from April 2010 until February 2012.
