Biography All Music Guide
All Music Guide:
Continuing the grand tradition of bands from northern Ohio led by writers from rock magazines -- see also: the Pretenders (Chrissie Hynde), Pere Ubu (Peter Laughner), etc. -- Cleveland's the Lovekill are a jittery but melodic indie rock outfit with strong U.K. post-punk influences, led by former Alternative Press editor Jonah Bayer (guitar) and Guitar World contributor Chris Rager (guitar, vocals). Bassist Carla Cherry keeps it in the family, being married to Rolling Stone staffer Robert Cherry; only drummer Craig Ramsey is a civilian. The Lovekill formed in 2002, its members having played in a variety of local hardcore and indie bands previously. Brazenly committing number one on the list of biggest rock writer faux pas, Rager passed a Lovekill demo to Thursday lead singer Geoff Rickly during an interview; rather than pitching it into a roadside dumpster the next time the tour van got swamped out, Rickly signed the Lovekill to Astro Magnetics, the vanity imprint he maintains at Thursday's former indie label, Eyeball Records. Continuing the trend of accepting a hand from more established bands, the Lovekill entered the studio with former Cursive guitarist Steve Pederson, who produced the band's debut album, These Moments Are Momentum, released in summer 2006.
