Jerk (band) - History

History

Jerk was originally composed of vocalist Michael Matral, drummer Lamar Lowder, guitarist Johnathan Devoy and Tourettes bass player Ross Empson. In this guise Jerk contributed the song "Jesus Saves" to the Mushroom records soundtrack to the Australian horror film "Cut" in 2000. It was after this point that Jerk had a line-up change with Devoy on vocals joined by guitarist Charles Cilia and former Candy Harlots bassist Leeno Dee.

In 2001, Jerk released a self-titled six track EP and three accompanying video clips directed by Lowder. These releases led to an appearance at the long-running Metal for the Brain festival in Canberra late in the year, and in April 2002 Jerk signed to Sony Records.

In 2003, Jerk released their full-length album When Pure Is Defiled, which was co-produced by Sean Beavan and Lamar Lowder. It included their 2002 single "I Hate People Like That", which has peaked at No. 83 on the ARIA Singles Chart in November 2002. Music videos were subsequently produced for "I Hate People Like That", "Just What You Need", and the Lowder directed "My Friends All Lie".

Jerk embarked on a national tour in 2003 to promote the album, and performances included support slots for Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse, Killing Joke and Disturbed on the Sydney leg of their Australian tours.

Jerk received exposure in the North American market when their song, "Sucked In", featured in the soundtracks of the video games NHL 2004 and Need for Speed: Underground.

Devoy stepped down, and was replaced by vocalist Mario Spate in 2004, but the band broke up soon after. Lowder has since returned to music production and songwriting. In January 2006, Dee and Cilia reunited with Devoy to form the band Ink. Ink subsequently released the EPs Lead… Or Follow (2007) and Black Water Reign (2008).