One of the earlier punk bands on the San Diego scene, Pitchfork are most remembered for being the first collaboration between Drive Like Jehu guitarists John "Speedo" Reis and Rick Froberg (then calling himself Rick Fork). Influenced primarily by the SST label (Sonic Youth, Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü) and proto-emo bands (Rites of Spring, Squirrel Bait), Pitchfork formed circa 1985/1986 with a rhythm section featuring drummer Joey Piro and a bassist known -- with typical punk informality -- only as Nick. Initially, Reis led this lineup as a trio; new lead vocalist and guitarist Froberg's arrival brought not only a beefed-up instrumental sound, but a greater dedication. Pitchfork signed with the indie label Nemesis and released their debut 7" single, "Saturn Outhouse," in 1989; they'd already recorded a full-length the year before, and it was finally released in 1990 under the title Eucalyptus. By that time, Reis and Froberg had decided to pursue other projects. Reis founded and led major-label trash-punkers Rocket from the Crypt, and he and Froberg teamed with a new rhythm section to form the acclaimed, progressive post-hardcore band Drive Like Jehu. Rick Froberg died on June 30, 2023, at the age of 55. ~ Steve Huey