Tom Jones - perfectly executed yells, guitar, kazoo, grew peas Chuck Larsen - double standup upright doghouse monster bass wood-knocking fiddle, cello & vocals Brian Killigrew - mandolin, precision lap steel Jon Lundberg - lead guitar, extrapolating Phil Close - drums
Influences
Drive-By Truckers, Hank Williams III, Johnny Cash, Nellie Wilson, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, BR-549, Mike Vorndran, Beck, Throw Yer Panties, Balls On Board, Maurice Mooseknuckle & Knee Deep In Polka, Mumble Tree and Jack Daniels.
"40 Rod Lightning is Rochester's buzz band right now. Not everyone has seen it yet, but has heard the name enthusiastically uttered by those who have. Hear this band once and you'll see why." - Frank De Blase, City Newspaper, 1.16.07
40 Rod Lightning is five guys from Rochester, NY who like to drink beer and play loud and fast. We call it Insurgent North Country.
That song you vaguely recognize but can't quite place? It's Judas Priest, or Motorhead or Metallica. You may have to wait for the chorus before it sinks in.
Our debut EP, Small Batch, is shrink wrapped and official. You should buy one. You should buy two. Buy us shots and we'll play faster.
"We heard a monster new EP from Americana band, 40 Rod Lightning, that includes an unexpected, but very cool cover of Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls." Influenced by artists like Hank Williams I and III, Drive-By Truckers and Kentucky Headhunters, 40 Rod Lightning self-describe their style as "Insurgent North Country." Whatever you want to call it, it's expressive, and even inspiring alt-country, with sweet, driving melodies, catchy hooks and twangy vocals. 40 Rod Lightning are a red hot addition to Rochester's music scene, and you can hear for yourself at their upcoming gigs on February 2nd at Dubland Underground and on February 21st at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que."
- Freetime Magazine, January 16-January 30, 2008 * Vol. 31 No. 17
"Call it alt-country, call it Americana, call it insurgent north country, but just listen to the "small batch" local boys 40 Rod Lightning have brewed up and give in to the slow grin that'll form on your face. From the group's take on Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls" to its own "The Girl in the County Jail" and the catchy "Jack Daniel's Revenge," these songs are expertly arranged dance-and-sing-alongs. 40 Rod Lightning (a reference to a particularly evil kind of whiskey that can kill at the distance of 40 rods, or 220 yards) has every element working for it, from the upright bass to the sweet slide, from the chug in Tom Jones' guitar to the stories told with his voice. It all mixes together so well that you won't be able to tear away once the band starts playing, unless, of course, it's to grab hold of a whiskey bottle." - Jen Graney
City Newspaper, January 30 - February 5, 2008, Vol 37 No 19
fuck yeah David Alan Coe and 40 Rod cant wait.....got my bach party this weekend so I will miss you 2nite :( but we will def see you soon, cd soon? now all we have to do is get the Pine Box Poys here and hooked up with you thats a wet dream show for sure! Im sure you will rock tonight see you soon guys. xxoo
hey yall caught your show in Rochester it was great. i was the sorry sob that got hit in the parking lot ,but it got takin care of . hope to see you all again, here hanks gonna be close we might road tripit ?thanks again for add in us to ur friends Snappy & toni ray !keep on keepen on!
Cannnnnnnnnnt waiiiiiiiiiit to see you next sat at Albaline love that place love u guys.......see you then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheep beer and great tunes yee haw!
Sorry for your band member's wife who was in an accident. I pray that she is ok. I was looking forward to seeing you at Barnbash and also I wanted you to hear my much we have improved over the year. Hope to see you guys soon.
BARNBASH 2008 is September 26th 6PM till ? and September 27th 8AM till Midnight! Looking forward to seeing you play here this year! If any of your Close Fans want to come contact me with an email addy and we can make sure they get a personal Evite!
