Thomas Woodward - perfectly executed yells, guitar, kazoo, grew peas Chuck Gunasangasong - double standup upright doghouse monster bass fiddle, cello & vocals Jon Lundberg - lead guitar, extrapolating Brian Killigrew - mandolin, precision lap steel Joe Bonfiglio - phone book, drums, high score on Donkey Kong Unofficial: Harley Schottz
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
Man we had a blast last night, you guys rock, you have become one of my fav bands ever (you and the hi-risers are my favs big time!) ,you just keep getting better and better, you guys have really pumped it up from when I first saw you, thanks again for inviting us, it was awesome, we are looking forward to sat (a lil short last night!)we will see you then. Jenn
Noooooooooooooo! I'm gonna miss your spontaneous show sat nite cuz im playing tin whistle with tom foolery at dubland!! Well at least i got your cd to keep me occupied in the meantime :)
