Biters

A rock band unafraid of pop hooks, sweet harmonies, and high energy, Atlanta's Biters play music in the grand tradition of Cheap Trick, the Sweet, and the Scruffs, but with modern-day edge and attitude. Featuring guitarist and lead vocalist Tuk, formerly of the Heart Attacks, the Biters also include Matt Gabs on guitar and backing vocals, Travis on bass and backing vocals, and Joey on drums. The Heart Attacks went on hiatus in the fall of 2008 after two albums and several years of steady touring; while Tuk and Heart Attacks bassist Mikey Portwood soon formed a new combo called Poison Arrows, it wasn't long before he began working up new material with Travis and Joey, and when Matt Gabs arrived from Baltimore in late 2009, the Biters fell into place. The group wasted no time going into the studio, releasing its self-titled debut EP in March 2010, and a second EP, It's OK to Like Biters, in July 2010. The EPs were both released through the Atlanta-based independent label Underrated Recordings, and in August 2010 the Biters hit the road for a tour of the Midwest with their labelmates the Booze. The Biters also made a memorable appearance on Now Dig This!, an online music show featuring contemporary power pop acts. The group released another EP, All Chewed Up, via Underrated before moving over to Pipeline Records in 2012 to release their fourth EP, Last of a Dying Breed. Work for the rockers didn't stop there, with the Biters signing to esteemed heavy music label Earache Records in 2015 and putting out their first full-length release, Electric Blood. The record received rave reviews, and was praised for its eclectic style that traversed the golden age of rock, nodding toward the sound of hard rock acts with a penchant for melody, such as Thin Lizzy, New York Dolls, and Slade. The Biters returned in early 2017 with their second full-length effort, The Future Ain't What It Used to Be, once again via Earache. ~ Mark Deming & Rob Wacey