In a city like Boston where bands are nearly as numerous as rats, it can be a frustrating exercise in futility to sort through the endless entrants into the musical fray. The Shills make it easy for you. The Shills eliminate all the guess work with their undeniable quality and engaging complexity. With a sound that can go from driving rock rhythms to lush, lofty sonic soundscapes, versatility is T he Shills’ true stock-in-trade.

Bryan Murphy (vocals, guitar), Eric Ryrie (guitar), Dave Sicilian (Berklee '06, bass) and James Zaner (Berklee '06, drums) formed The Shills in 2004, and have been winning the hearts and minds of Boston’s often ultra-jaded show-goers with their musical version of shock and awe ever since. They released an ep titled "Push" in 2006, a self titled full length in 2007, and a concept record called "Ganymede" in 2008. Eric (guitar) left in 2011, and was replaced by Ryan Jackson. Trying to quantify their broad sound or compile a definitive list of similar bands becomes a fool’s errand as their influences range just as wide. From Queen, to Queens of the Stone Age, Yes to Radiohead, Motown to Metal, Punk to Jazz. As any of their fans will tell you, the only way to get any sort of handle on what The Shills are all about is to go and witness it for yourself.

Renée Dupuis (vocals, keys) and Joe Cardoza (bass, guitar, vocals - Berklee '06) have appeared in a variety of projects together supporting such acts the CHELSEA BERRY BAND, BRAD BYRD, and SATCH KERANS among others. Most notably they are staple members of THE BANDIT KINGS with whom they’ve made two studio recordings and performed for receptive audiences in acclaimed venues from Boston to Los Angeles. As a duo RENEE & JOE feature strong vocals, lush harmonies, arrangements, and collaborative songwriting stemming from the folk, rock, and blues idioms. They are currently recording their first full-length studio release and are looking forward to bringing their music to new audiences in Boston MA, Burlington VT, Baltimore MD and more in 2013.