I have known of the Lovehammers and their reputation for being one of the biggest-drawing rock acts in Chicago for a long time. They seem to be one of the few consistent big-room sorts of bands on the local scene. I had, however, never been to one of their shows and, because of that, was a little curious as to what they brought to the table that other artists did not. Well, my questions were forever answered by my attendance at the release show for their latest CD, Murder On My Mind, at Joe’s on Weed Street this past Feb. 22^nd. The Lovehammers put on a show that rivals or betters any local band I have seen in recent memory. Their music is a rowdy, fueled-up mix of the best hard rock influences of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s coupled with a songwriting vision that plants tunes in a listeners’ mind to stay. They sold this sound from the moment they took the stage with an energy and passion that made them look like an arena band just waiting to happen. Vocalist Marty Casey was especially inspired, rocking the house like a post-millennium Mick Jagger. The house in question, of course, was full. Casey told me before the show that he had just been informed that the bar was at its full legal capacity and there were still many people trying to get in. That, boys and girls, is what rock and roll is all about.