Pitchfork (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Pitchfork was a post-hardcore group originating from San Diego, California, established in 1986 and dissolved by 1990. The band is primarily recognized as the earliest prominent project of guitarist John Reis, who subsequently achieved acclaim with Rocket from the Crypt. It also marked the first musical partnership between Reis and vocalist Rick Froberg, who later collaborated with Reis in forming Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes. Froberg was responsible for the majority of the band's visual artwork, while Reis honed his production expertise through their recordings.
Band history
The band came together in 1986 featuring John Reis on guitar and piano, Don Ankrom handling bass duties, and Joey Piro on drums. Rick Froberg (who occasionally performed under the names Rick Farr or Rick Fork) joined as the lead singer. Their sound drew inspiration from groups such as Mission of Burma and Sonic Youth. In 1988, they recorded their sole vinyl 7-inch release, Saturn Outhouse, which appeared in 1989.
Following Ankrom's departure in 1989, Nick Frederick took over bass responsibilities. That year, they recorded their only full-length album, Eucalyptus, which was issued in 1990 through the local label Nemesis Records. Froberg created the album's artwork while Reis assumed production duties. The band split up soon after this release.
After the breakup, Reis and Froberg went on to establish Drive Like Jehu, active until 1995. Concurrently, Reis fronted Rocket from the Crypt until 2005, released a solo effort under the name Back Off Cupids, and performed with the Sultans from 2000 to 2007. Between 1999 and 2005, Reis and Froberg reunited for their work in Hot Snakes.
In 2003, Reis reissued both Eucalyptus and Saturn Outhouse on CD through his own label, Swami Records. Following Froberg’s involvement with Obits from 2006 to 2015, Reis formed The Night Marchers in 2007. The Hot Snakes resumed activity after reuniting in 2011.
Band members
- Rick Froberg (also known as Rick Farr or Rick Fork) – vocals
- John Reis – guitar, piano
- Don Ankrom – bass (1986–1989)
- Nick Frederick – bass (1989–1990)
- Joey Piro – drums
Albums
| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Eucalyptus | Nemesis | The band's only full-length album; original Nemesis edition is no longer available. It was reissued in 2003 by Swami Records on CD including tracks from Saturn Outhouse as bonus material, sometimes titled Eucalyptus + Saturn Outhouse. |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Saturn Outhouse | Nemesis | No longer in print; three songs from this EP were added to Swami Records' CD re-release of Eucalyptus. |