5th Gear

It's not a coincidence that 5th Gear is holding the official release party for its first full-length CD on St. Patrick's Day. "Since there's quite a bit of Irish blood in our band, it's fitting," guitarist Rhett Gordon said. The band is asking revelers to wear green and drop some green on the album, Waiting for a Sign. The March 17 debut party will be at Boston's on the Beach. The CD's release comes after road testing songs for the past year on stages throughout South Florida. One of the tunes, Long Day, is an anthem to hard-working stiffs everywhere. It's already getting a good response, Gordon said. "It's a simple, very effective song that everyone can relate to," he said.

Waiting for a Sign is a nod to the kind of music they play, something the guys refer to as "road rock." The band previously put together a four-song EP in 2004, the same year they formed. "We're a cross between the Seattle grunge sound of Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam, with the Southern rock feel of ZZ Top," Gordon said. The band includes Jason Snider on lead vocals and guitar, drummer Clint Denny and bassist Al Gavett.
- Sun Sentinel March 2007

5th gear is steadily building both a local and international following as they perform all over the area just about every night of the week. Since 2004, 5th gear has been executing their southern rock throughout the state. Jason Snider sings the vocals, while handling a Gibson Les Paul Custom, a Fender Lone Star Strat and Fender ‘72 Telecaster reissue guitar. Rhett Gordon leads on a ‘98 Fender US FAT Telecaster guitar. They both have custom built pedal boards with an assortment of overdrive and modulation effects to create an array of tonal textures. Clint Denny provides the percussion on Premier Drums and Sabian Cymbals. Al Gavett fingers either an Ibanez SRX700 or an SRX500 bass. Each musician was once part of another popular band and brings his own diverse experience to local stages throughout South Florida.

5th Gear’s resume includes airplay on 103.1 “the buzz” as well as a seat at the annual Buzz Bake Sales Battle of the Bands. The crew finished in the top 4 of over eighty bands competing. They have been packing ‘em everywhere from Red Lion in Boynton Beach to Miami’s oldest venue, Tobacco Road. In January they played at the South Florida BBQ Festival. “Festivals give you a unique opportunity to share the bill with national acts and share your music with people that would otherwise not get a chance to hear you” Rhett explained. This month 5th gear will be entertaining every Wed night at the Clevelander in South Beach, Delray’s Boston’s and the Dubliner in Palm Beach Gardens. It’s quite evident that they have been busy earning a grassroots fan base commonly referred to as “Gear Heads.”

Preferring live gigs to studios, 5th Gear often plays covers ranging from Bob Marley to the mighty Zeppelin. But their originals are just as powerful. In fact their first full length CD, Waiting For A Sign, is now available. “It has been a long time coming for us and we are really proud of the outcome,” explained Rhett.

As far as the future is concerned for 5th Gear, they’re now focusing on landing gigs with new venues across the country, and hopefully opening for some giant acts later this year. The local talent is certainly worthy of national exposure.

Story: Todd McFliker - Rag Magazine March 2007

For those too young to remember, in the early 1970s, there was a big Southern rock renaissance. Spearheaded by the Allman Brothers, the South sprouted a viable, back-to-the-roots alternative to the major rock power centers like New York and Los Angeles. Following the Bros. were the old school R&B of Wet Willie and the surly, blues-charged rock of Lynard Skynard. These Southern bands made their mark, and much of their spirit lives on in South Florida's 5th Gear. But they commingle the earthier aspects of back then with the baleful melodic edge of more recent (Stone Temple Pilots, Nickelback). The Gear's "Together In Vain" made this year's Songsalive CD Sampler 7 and it has a 4 song self-titled EP - but it really gets revved up on stage. - Mark Keresman
- Broward - Palm Beach New Times