The Loved Ones

Philadelphia-based punk trio the Loved Ones came together in late 2003 with singer/guitarist Dave Hause, bassist Michael "Spider" Cotterman, and drummer Mike Sneeringer at its core. The three musicians already shared a long history as friends and had previously performed in Kid Dynamite, Paint It Black, the Curse, and Trial by Fire. Hause had also held various managing and roadie roles with Sick of It All, Bouncing Souls, Kid Dynamite, and the Explosion, experiences that ultimately prompted him to pursue his own career as a performer. The group issued its self-titled EP through Jade Tree in February 2005 and soon began supporting Against Me!, Bad Religion, and NOFX on tour. Its combination of polished punk sensibilities, singalong choruses, and raspy vocals drew the notice of Fat Wreck Chords, which released the full-length debut Keep Your Heart the following year. Extensive touring followed, though Cotterman departed in the first days of 2007; the band carried on with a substitute bassist for headlining shows that ran through mid-March. After former tourmates the Explosion disbanded several months later, Hause and Sneeringer recruited Chris Gonzalez on bass and David Walsh, enabling the Loved Ones to deliver Build & Burn in February 2008.