Hank Vegas was initially the alter ego of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Chad Evans, who fronted an alt-country outfit billed as Hank Vegas & the White Lightning. Formed in Macon, GA, the band slowly evolved from its country-rock beginnings into a more R.E.M.-like jangle pop incarnation, however, and emerged as simply Hank Vegas with the release of the impressive The Things You Are in 2007 on Star Motel Records. The current membership includes frontman Chad Evans on guitar and lead vocals; Rob Evans on guitar and backing vocals; Justin Smith on bass, keyboards, and occasional percussion; and John Neff on pedal steel. David Barbe, who produced The Things You Are at his Chase Park Transduction studio in Athens, GA, also contributed percussion, keyboards, and guitar to the debut release. ~ Steve Leggett