Never far from a notebook or hand-held recorder, Kickbacks' songwriter, Tad Overbaugh is not one to miss out on capturing a good line or melody when it comes. "I don't count on getting good ideas, so when I get one, I want to remember it", says Overbaugh laughing. The Kickbacks debuted in 1998 with the release of Longitude, and soon after, the Blue Man's Collar EP (2000). The band received favorable reviews from critics for Blindside View (2002) and Motel Stars (2006) for, as one reviewer put it, "songs that ring with depth, authenticity, and plenty of hook-infused power”. The new album, Even The Blues (2008), was produced by guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and "partner-in-crime" as Overbaugh puts it, Steve Scott. Even The Blues again features the Motel Stars (2006) lineup of Matt Arnold on bass and Perry James on drums. "Even The Blues is about trying to enjoy the good moments as they pass, amidst the struggles that are always there. A lot of the album is about some form of escapism and using it to get back to a good place", says Overbaugh. The Kickbacks have performed with such artists as The Drive-By Truckers, Tim Easton, Robbie Fulks and Slobberbone.
