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 SST (
Sonic Youth,
Meat Puppets,
Hüsker Dü) and proto-emo bands (
Rites of Spring,
Squirrel Bait),
Pitchfork formed circa 1985 or 1986, with a rhythm section featuring drummer Joey Piro and a bassist known -- with typical punk informality -- only as
Nick. At first,
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 album 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. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide