Porch at the Hemlock Tavern

Hey there,

So last night my buddy Jay (Rain Station) and I went out to see the band Porch at the Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco.  Jay was telling me it was his first time out without the wife and child in 5 or so years.  WOW...we need to go out more. It was very cool getting caught up with Jay, having dinner and hanging out.  It was great seeing Todd, Chris and Michael (of Porch) as well as Zac Briesach (a high school friend and an admin on NorCal Beer Blog's Facebook page).

So, Porch.  I believe it was somewhere around 1992 or 1993 when my high school friends Dave Ayer (who played in the The Screaming Paisleys with me) and Jeff Palmer joined former Primus guitarist, Todd Huth,  to start Porch.  After they recorded their 1993 CD, Jeff left and Chris Frey joined Porch and a little while after that another high school friend, Michael Jacobs, joined Porch.  I was a staple at their shows in the early days - great music - great musicians -just plain great. Last night was no exception.

When I heard Chris was going to be in town for a couple of shows I knew I had to find a way to get out and see them play.  I knew they were working on a new CD and was looking forward to hearing new tunes (as well as some old ones).  Turns out that they hadn't played a show in around 5 years, but you wouldn't know it.  They all play in other bands so their chops are super tight, but there's just something about the sound these three guys make.
(set list photo to the left was swiped...hope you're not mad at me Chris)

These guys are epic musicians.  Chris and Michael are a rhythm section to die for - heavy - solid. Todd is just plain genius.  The intensity was huge - pounding out old tunes and new songs. There comes a point when you look at this three piece and wonder where is all the sonic goodness coming from...only three guys?  Yes.

Anyhow, I am hoping they play again and I am eagerly awaiting their next release.

Well done guys!

Mark Harvey
(ears still ringing)