Kiss It Goodbye
Kiss it Goodbye started from the ashes of New Jersey hardcore band Deadguy in 1996.
Formation and Early Years (1996–1997)
Vocalist Tim Singer and guitarist Keith Huckins, both former members of Deadguy, joined forces with bassist Thom Rusnack and drummer Andrew Gormley to form the nucleus of Kiss it Goodbye. Notably, Rusnack and Gormley had previously played together in the New Jersey band Rorschach.
The band wasted no time in making their presence known, quickly recording a demo tape titled Be Afraid. This demo garnered widespread acclaim within the New York City punk scene, setting the stage for the band’s rapid ascent.
Debut Album and Lineup Changes (1997)
In 1997, Kiss it Goodbye released their debut LP She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not on Revelation Records. Produced by Billy Anderson, the album retained the aggressive sound that fans of Deadguy and Rorschach had come to expect, with Singer’s intense vocals adding a layer of melodrama to the mix. Tracks like “Preacher” and “Target Practice” further solidified the band’s reputation for blistering hardcore punk.
However, the band faced internal upheaval when guitarist Keith Huckins departed, citing a disillusionment with touring and the music industry. His departure prompted the recruitment of Seattle hardcore veteran Demian “Headboy” Johnston, who brought his own unique flair to the band’s sound.
Subsequent Releases and Disbandment (1998–1999)
Despite the lineup changes, Kiss it Goodbye soldiered on, recording material for a planned EP with Sub Pop Records. However, the project was shelved when Tim Singer exited the band, ultimately leading to its dissolution in 1998. The unreleased tracks from the Sub Pop sessions were later compiled and released by Revelation Records as the Choke CD/7″ EP.
Reunion and Legacy (2012)
In 2012, Kiss it Goodbye briefly reunited for a West Coast tour, delighting fans with their blistering live performances. As part of the reunion, Revelation Records reissued She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not on vinyl, ensuring that the band’s influential debut album would continue to reach new audiences for years to come.
Band Members
- Andrew Gormley – Drums (1996-1998)
- Thom Rusnack – Bass (1996-1998, 2012)
- Tim Singer – Vocals (1996-1998, 2012)
- Keith Huckins – Guitar (1996-1997)
- Demian Johnston – Guitar (1997-1998)
- Eric Cooper – Guitar (1996)
Discography
Studio Albums:
- She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not LP/CD (1997, Revelation Records)
Singles and EPs:
- Be Afraid Demo Tape (1996, Self-released)
- Preacher/Target Practice 7-inch (1997, Revelation Records)
- Choke 7-inch/CDEP (1999, Revelation Records)
