South Carolinian alternative rockers NEEDTOBREATHE are a breath of fresh air. The debut CD, “Daylight,” on Lava/Atlantic records is nothing short of outstanding. This disc is one of the best CD’s of the year. Led by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, NEEDTOBREAHTE has already earned a fervent following throughout the Southeast. Their wide screen melodic rock of “Daylight,” should see the quartet spreading their majestic noise even further. Each of their songs builds upon the next.
NEEDTOBREATHE is comprised of Bear Rinehart, vocals, guitar, piano, Bo Reinhart, guitar, backing vocals, Seth Bolt, bass, backing vocals, and Joe Stillwell on drums.
Like the early incarnation of the rock band Switchfoot, NEEDTOBREATHE have a strong Christian upbringing and viewpoint. The Rineharts grew up in a small town of Possum Kingdom, South Carolina, where their pastor dad ran a local church camp. Both their parents instilled a love of music in their boys – mom taught piano, while dad’s younger years were spent touring as trumpet player. With the constant influx of new campers they exposed the Rineharts to a wide variety of musical styles. “Even though we were out in the boonies,” Bear says, “Every kind of kid from around the state would come to the camp, so we were exposed to a lot of music – rap, country, and rock.” Soon after the Rineharts moved to their now hometown of Seneca, South Carolina.
Their main influences include the Black Crowes, Train, Coldplay, Enya, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Collective Soul. You can hear these influences on “Daylight,” with their chiming hooks and straightforward lyrics, especially on tracks such as “More Than,” and “Don’t Wait For Daylight,” convey optimistic, encouraging messages that suggests that life is what you make it. “Bo Rinehart learned to play the guitar in a completely different way,” explains Bear “He does some weird things on the guitar. He picks up rather up than down, which is really bizarre. That’s a big part of our sound – two guitars doing things differently, but working together the whole time.”
Favorite songs on the disc would have to include “Shine On,” and the powerful first single, “You Are Here,” which can be seen on Yahoo Music, they are rich with sweeping sonics and heartfelt emotions that are both deeply individual and wholly universal. The production is flawless with British producer Andy Green (Keane, KT Tunstall) at the helm. The band opted to record “Daylight,” in England determined to bring something different to the table. “I think in America music right now it’s such a trend to have these in-your-face guitars, “Bear comments. “We’re interested in doing something that’s a little more open, that has a really big sound but also has some spaciousness to it.”
As a side note, both Bear and Bo were excellent football players. Bear played at Furman University, where he was a gridiron standout at wide receiver, earning several all-time school records and winning the 2002 Banks McFadden trophy. Bo was following his own path at Clemson University. His athleticism led to roles in the 2003 film, “Radio” as well as appearing as a high school football player. Bo with his distinctive guitar style and longtime friend Seth Bolt on bass began to find their voice and help define the trademark NEEDTOBREATHE sound.
This NEEDTOBREATHE CD is a must for your CD player or IPod. Their music is melodic and very accessible. This CD is straight ahead rock and sure to become one of your favorites. This disc is both refreshing and epic. Be sure to pick it up. For more information on NEEDTOBREAHTE please go to: www.needtobreathe.net or www.myspace.com/needtobreathe Check out their interesting and informative video of the band at their My Space account.
