SHBBIOShad Hills is a storyteller whose lyrics focus mainly on his most memorable setbacks both in his career and personal life, and he delivers his lines with a strangely calm intimacy. 'Vegas Mechanics' builds momentum from the ominously lethargic vocal delivery of songwriter Shad Hills, who doesn't so much sing these songs as talk them at you. Hills injects plenty of passion as his band surrounds him with guitar driven tuneful Alt-pop. He's complimented by the background vocals of (former) lead guitarist Steve Glazer, whose electric guitar arrangements are combined with the rhythm section of Hills' brother, drummer Shane Darnell Hills and bassist Trevor Zimmerman.
SHBBIOYou can hear their dynamic interplay in songs like 'It's a Dream', the first track to be warmly greeted by radio both at college and commercial specialty stations , and satellite cable formats such as Music Choice and Digital Music Express. 'Eleanor', 'Ordinary Day' and the explosive 'Plastecine', which is also gaining exposure at radio that even the major labels would have reason to celebrate. Hills describes 'Plastecine, with it's obviously hurtful sentiment, as a song that was directed towards a group of individuals that purposely stood in his way of success after he had worked so hard to achieve it. And although it seems as if he is awkwardly mellow while singing this song, the message comes through loud and clear. He explains that he has since faced these issues head on with a high priced therapist. Hills adds, "It's funny, I'll be changing channels on the TV and my therapist pops up on shows like Montel, Sally Jessy and Jenny Jones, at least I think it's funny." About his songwriting approach, Hills shares, "I don't have a perfect formula, I grab my acoustic guitar and start playing. If an idea is not so good the first time it leaves me, it dies on the spot. If it's good, another one of my creative babies is born."
SHBBIOHills compellingly wrestles with his ghosts and demons on 'Vegas Mechanics', and while it's not clear if he's won his battles, you'll find yourself routing for him throughout each listen.
