My oh my was listening to this project a huge joy in my life. 12 RODS was a highly influential
band in the creation of the modern indie-rock and at times post hardcore sound.Coming from
Oxford Ohio 12 RODS became the first American band to become signed by V2 records after
self releasing their album Bliss. With the help of V2, their releases such as Gay? and Split
Personalities became highly acclaimed and rated projects cementing them in history as a
powerful force in the indie rock scene. Although the band didn’t see too much commercial
attention what made them different was their attention to detail when crafting these beautiful
dream pop riffs. Because of this lack of public appeal at the time. V2 Records deemed that 12
RODS wasn’t profitable anymore and dropped them, we saw the emergence of Lost Time which
eventually set 12 RODS into the hole financially. When I was prefaced going into the album I
was expecting a reunion project that would follow suite of previous bands, where a break or
hiatus is taken and the original feel of the band is lost. But 12 RODS far exceeded my
expectations going into this album.
Lets look at the start of the album, Fake Magic 8 Ball is a fantastic introduction to Ryan Olcott’s
method behind songwriting in subtle yet distinct ways. The scene is set as this dreamy
soundscape with incredible mixing. Almost every second of this song you are put into a trance
with the groovy rhythmic sequencing of the guitars mixed between layered vocals. Great start to
the album but pales in comparison to the song after it.
Twenty Four Hours Ago is probably a top 5 12 RODS song and has received far too little
appreciation. The music video for this song is one of the most visually appealing renditions of a
song for how simple it is. For a band that so deeply rooted in subtleties and song building, this
song gets right to the point with its dreamy sounding yet crushing riffs. The vocals performed by
Ryan Olcott of this song where definitely the highlight of the album. Extremely powerful.
This tone that has been crafted through this album stays consistent yet can change so diverse
like in songs like Accidents Waiting to Happen. Bill Shaw and Dave King end up creating this
extremely technical drum and bass oriented song. For one of the first times on the albums were
really see these instruments shine instead of having the guitar and vocals take the lead.
I wouldn’t say the lyrics really do it for me on this song and often throughout this album
sometimes have trouble connecting with the Ryan Olcott’s vocals.
All in all, for a reunion project this is the exceptions of all exceptions. 8.7/10. Highly recommend
this bands discography.
