12 Rods were an indie rock band from Minneapolis, USA, formed in 1992, that split up in 2004.

They self-released an album called Bliss in 1993, before signing to V2 and recieving some attention in independent music circles in 1996 with the Gay? EP. Split Personalities, which many consider their best album, was released in 1998. Pitchfork Media named it in their first list of the best albums of the 90s (although it was absent in the second version).

After two strong releases, despite the departure of drummer Christopher McGuire, 12 Rods looked set to make some sort of an impact on the charts with their next album, the Todd Rundgren-produced Separation Anxieties, but it was not to be. The album failed miserably, both critically and commercially, and 12 Rods were dropped by their record company.

They struggled on for one more album, 2002's self-released Lost Time, but ceased to be as of 2004.

Line-Up

• Ryan Olcott- vocals, guitar, syths
• Christopher McGuire- drums (1992-2000)
• Ev (Olcott)- synths, guitar, vocals

• William Shaw- bass (2000-2004)
• David Hill- drums (2000-2004)

Sources

Pitchfork Media [1]

Allmusic Guide [2]

12 Rods Official Website [3]