On a cold January night in Dallas Texas, four old friends partook heavily in the joys of Hops and Barley (beer to the common man) and joked about the idea of forming a band. With a focus on a somewhat southern style of rock, which fit vocalist Ricky Hill and guitarists Frank Smiley and Chris High more naturally, the band set about writing songs and creating their signature style. But the band struggled with its identity and had trouble connecting with a fan base. After a short and mostly unsuccessful run the band parted ways with original drummer Jeff Pedigo and moved on in a slightly different musical direction. With the three remaining members allowing the music to lean in a distinctly more southern direction, the search for a replacement drummer became difficult.

After a string of misses at the drummer position the group eventually united with long time friend Rob Lewis. With Lewis fitting seamlessly into the flow of the music the band took a major leap in its song crafting and performance ability and began making a splash on the scene. Then suddenly, just as their star seemed to be on the rise, The Atoms vanished from the scene altogether. Most considered the band finished but after a two year hiatus the boys are back, adding even more new members in bassist Steve Tertel and vocalist Lisa Gibson.

Information from the band's site

Musicians

• Chris High: guitar
• Ricky Hill: guitar, lead vocals, vocals
• Rob Lewis: drums
• Frank Smiley: guitar
• Steve Tertel: bass
• Lisa Gibson: vocals

Influences

Gram Parsons, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Uncle Tupelo, The Jayhawks, Whiskeytown, Wilco, Son Volt, Tom Petty, Pure Prairie League, The Flaming Lips, Ryan Adams

Something missing?

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