When the last seconds of 2011 finally ticked to a close, the members of Oil Boom drew a collective sigh of relief. Although musically the year had been cause for celebration, privately the North Texas trio endured an onslaught of bad news. Between a mix of personal and professional disappointments, the group at times staggered about like a prizefighter knocked to the canvas – bloody, bruised and waiting for that final bell to signal their unceremonious exit.