The Shadow was formed as "Exposing Janus" in 2003 by Zaq Bell and Hamilton Chase Hargrove in White Settlement, Texas. The band, being a two piece was, "a psychedelic noise free-for-all." Though extremely unorganized and inexperienced, these sessions laid the framework for more full and complete songwriting. By 2004, Bell and Hargrove were ready to attempt a full band experience, so they enlisted Mark Mauzey (vocals), Alan Whited (drums), Ryan Wiltfong (bass) and Michal Kajtoch (guitar). Unfortunately, work schedules and conflicts of interest couldn't hold the sextet together, and by spring of 2005, the band was again a two piece.

However, the band now had a sense of inspiration that was stronger than ever, so they decided to go out and recruit from the local music scene. While attending a show at the Aardvark, Zaq and Hamilton noticed Phonetic's lead guitarist Michael Scroggins. The three were introduced by a mutual friend. "Chase (Hamilton) and I started to play one of our songs for him and he casually jumped on an open synth and we started jamming". After Scroggins joined, the ball started rolling. The three knew of a highly qualified drummer, Michael Ratliff. In his first audition, it was noted that coincidentally Scroggins and Ratliff had known each other from a past circle of friends. Bell and Hargrove were dumbfounded by Ratliff's technical skill and quickness to pickup on the songs. The band booked its first show (July 2005 w/ Oliver Future) after only two weeks of fully playing together. With original guitarist Michal Kajtoch then returning to play bass, the lineup was set.

In 2006, the band changed its name to "The Shadow."

Information submitted by the band

Musicians

• Zaq Bell: guitar, keyboards, lead vocals, piano, vocals
• Hamilton Hargrove: keyboards, piano, turntables
• Michal Kajtoch: bass, guitar, keyboards
• Michael Ratliff: drums
• Michael Scroggins: guitar, keyboards

Influences

Radiohead, Mogwai, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, Blur, Gorillaz, Efterklang, Dredg, The Smiths, U2, My Bloody Valentine, Portishead, Bjork, Muse, The Pixies, Jesus and Mary Chain, Sonic Youth, Ride, I Monster, The Stone Roses, Aphex Twin, Kraftwerk, R.E.M., Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, Garbage, Orbital, Sneaker Pimps, King Crimson, TCTC, Telepopmusik, Royskopp, The Talking Heads, Moby, Frou Frou (Immogean Heap), NIN, The Bee Gee's, Michael Jackson (circa '85), The Secret Machines, Lush, Faust, Spiritualized, Suede, Pulp, Elastica, Thomas Newman, Clint Mansell

Albums

Something missing?

If you're a fan or member of this band, it's likely you know more about this than we do. Send us an email and tell us what we missed.

This is not MySpace! (And that's a good thing.) The only way you can directly post content to your page is in the comments. The best way to make additions, corrections, add mp3s or add photos is to send us an email.

---

---