Randy J. Klodz - Marty Casey & Lovehammers to “Switch” It Up With INXS; New Album

Jan. 19, 2006

Marty Casey & Lovehammers to “Switch” It Up With INXS; New Album

By Randy J. Klodz

Chicago-native rock band Lovehammers thrilled sold-out crowds in Chicago and the surrounding areas known solely as a rocking band with several successful independent releases under its belt.

Now, the band’s frontman Marty Casey is a household name following his success on the hit CBS program “Rock Star: INXS.” Although Casey finished as runner-up to contest winner, and new INXS singer, JD Fortune, Marty Casey & Lovehammers, as they are now called, will release their major-label debut album “Marty Casey & Lovehammers” on Jan. 24, 2006. The band is also set to open all dates of INXS’s current tour with the trek coming to the Chicago Theatre on Feb. 4.

Along with Casey (vocals), the rest of the Lovehammers lineup includes Billy Sawilchik (guitar), Dino Kourelis (bass) and Bobby Kourelis (drums)--a full band that is now reaping the rewards of hard work and constant touring in support of the albums “L’Strange” and “Murder on My Mind.” Now with the backing of a major label, “Marty Casey & the Lovehammers” is expected to make a splash.

Fans new to Marty Casey got a steady stream of “Trees,” the main song that pushed Casey into contention for the grand prize of fronting INXS. That track now appears on the new album. The song’s catchy up-and-down rhythm and chorus: “You and me / Up in the trees / And the forest will give us the answers” has already been enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide.

Fans of the rocking “Trees” will enjoy other “Marty Casey & Lovehammers” songs like “Casualty,” “Hold On,” and “Straight As An Arrow.” “The Clinic” alternates between slow, acoustic melodies and then explodes into a rocker and back again. “Rain on My Brain” is a more mellow, melodic version as is the album’s closer “Clouds,” each of which further display the spectacular range of Casey’s vocals.

Chicago Theatre is at 175 N. State St. Tickets for this all-ages show are listed from $32.50-$62.50 each with showtime scheduled for 8 p.m. For more on Marty Casey & Lovehammers log on to www.lovehammers.com.