45th Parallel

Friday, Jun. 27, 2008

45th Parallel: take 2

Fans of alternative rock don't need to head halfway between the North Pole and the Equator for good music, but they should try listening to the 45th Parallel's second LP, take 2.

This fierce Richland trio is all about quality music that will tilt Earth's axis.

Beginning in 2003 as a four-man band, the group whittled itself down to three members, and lead singer Mike Rhodes stepped up as lead guitarist after founding member and co-songwriter Sam Nappi left the group in 2006.

Rhodes has a multifaceted voice reminiscent of Metallica frontman James Hetfield. A talented chameleon, he's able to effortlessly adapt to different styles. One moment, he'll be rocking out in So I, then he'll slow it down with a slightly melancholy tune in Deep. No matter the song, Rhodes is in tune with the overall feelings and messages of his songs.

On the guitar, Rhodes stretches his talents. Take Me Down dabbles with acoustic, then transitions into their normal electric sound.

Younger brother Rob Rhodes provides the drums and backup vocals. Rob demonstrates great control in Deep, with a reserved intensity that leaves listeners eagerly waiting for what he will do next. Perhaps it's their brotherly bond, but on Faded, the brothers play off each other, showing they have fun with their music and aren't afraid to tweak their sound. Rob doesn't get too fancy on the drums, but he does keep the energy high, setting the bar for his two bandmates.

Bassist Jason Wright recently replaced Mike Cook, who had to bow out. While Wright has carved out his own spot in the band since Cook's departure, listeners can't help but feel Cook's intensity on the album. Grinder is the kind of song that would play in a mobster movie where there's a slow chase; similar to the hare coursing scene in Snatch, where the rabbit narrowly escapes the attacking dogs. Cook gives the song that edge that makes it borderline creepy and dazzling. Similarly, So I is a track that'll make listeners wish they knew how to dirt-bike. It's something that would be played at the X-Games because it doesn't let-up and is great from start-to-finish.
What Do You Want is one of those hard rock tracks that are great on their own, but way more effective live. The song seems as if it was wrote to be played on stage.


For more information, or to order their LP, go to www.myspace.com/45thparallelband.

*Bethany Lee: 582-1465; blee@tricityherald.com

- By Bethany Lee, Herald staff writer

Stand is a tight track. Great job capturing and infectious energy on the recording. The band has a good chemestry between the players and each of the different elements is solid. Excellent dynamic shifts really help the chorus stand out and add contrast between the verse and chourses. The intensity of the lead vocals sells the song well. Nice work creating a mood with the music that fits the theme of the lyric- a potent combination. Overall this is a unique track with chord progressions and melodies that are interesting, combined with passionate lyrics and a solid performance. - Taxi

With more than 50 shows under their belt, members of the Richland rock trio 45th Parallel are into setting ambitious goals.

"That's our new minimum for 2009," said lead singer and guitarist Mike Rhodes. "At least 50 shows in one year."

The band is negotiating shows as far out as October, with several shows already scheduled for each month. They're also continuing to push their LP take 2, and are hard at work on their second album, due out at the end of this year.

"(The 45th Parallel) is the section of the globe that we are going to dominate first," Rhodes said with a seriousness that would make anyone almost believe him as he explained the group's name.

These guys seem focused and driven. They are willing to put in hard work and to reap the rewards. Nearly six years after their first show, Mike and his younger brother and drummer Rob Rhodes say they're confident in their music and in their newest member, bassist Jason Wright.

Mike said Wright "stepped in" about a year ago after Mike Cook left. "We did a couple shows in Spokane that were acoustic. The next week we had three shows with Jason and he definitely jumped into the fire."

Now, after a six-month trial period, Wright's smoke jumping has paid off, landing him a permanent position with the band. And with a lineup now set, the guys say they're working on getting exposure, not just for themselves but for the Tri-Cities in general.

"We're trying to focus on how we can help rebuild the local music scene," Mike said. "Try and breathe some life back into it."

Knocking on the doors of radio stations has gained them airplay on KTCV 88.1, KXRX 97.1 and KEOL 91.7. The band also is enjoying endorsements from Coffin Case and RotoSound Music Strings.

Their next goal is to perform at Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival in September. In the meantime, band members are making sure their music is heard. They've distributed more than 600 copies of take 2, and Mike admits some of the CDs were given away for free at shows to people who couldn't afford to buy it.

"Music is not supposed to be competitive," he said. "It's for fun, an expression of yourself. First and most important is to get the music out."

Though they may not be making a giant profit off their album sales, their willingness to travel has paid off. The group is quickly building a following in Seattle, where fans are eager to buy their merchandise.

Last month, Mike said, he "sold the beanie off of my own head. If it got to the point where we could replace work with music, I would be perfectly happy with that."

While group members aren't looking to quit their day jobs just yet, they know they have a great support system for when they do. "When (my kids are) in the car, they want to hear Daddy's music," Mike said with a smile.

45th Parallel's next show is at 9 p.m., Jan. 20 at the Parkade in Kennewick.

Their album is available for $10 through iTunes, CD Baby, Napster, Hastings and Digstation. For more information, go to myspace.com/45thparallelband.

- Tri City Hearld By Bethany Lee