Hot Lunch, a psychedelic punk band, performs at the Kilowatt in San Francisco.
Local psychedelic punk group Hot Lunch is set to grace the stage at the Kilowatt on Thursday night alongside guitarist Graham Clise’s latest project, Stepmother, and San Francisco punk band the Losers. The band has been a prominent figure in the San Francisco underground music scene for more than 15 years, originally formed by lead singer Eric Shea after the disbandment of his previous group, Parchman Farm, in 2006.
Shea was able to assemble a talented lineup of musicians, including former Mensclub guitarist Aaron Nudelman and the powerful rhythm section made up of drummer Rob Alper (formerly of The Sermon and SLA) and bassist Charlie Karr, known for his work with Harold Ray Live in Concert, a band signed to Alternative Tentacles.
Hot Lunch quickly gained popularity in San Francisco’s music venues with their energetic live shows and eventually released their self-titled debut album in 2013. Setting themselves apart from other bands that simply imitate the classic sounds of influential early ’70s proto punk and metal bands like Blue Cheer, Grand Funk Railroad, and MC5, Hot Lunch incorporated elements of skate punk, psychedelia, and progressive rock into their distinctive music.
Their debut album, released by independent German label Who Can You Trust? in Europe and Tee Pee Records in the US, garnered attention and sponsorship from Scion A/V and Converse, elevating the band’s visibility in the music scene. Following the success of their debut, Hot Lunch released several singles and EPs, including the free-to-download five-track EP “Slappy Sunday” in 2015 and a 45 featuring new songs “Haul of Meat” and “Pot of Gold” last year. Their second album, “Seconds,” released in 2019 on Tee Pee Records, showcased the band’s growth and experimentation with a broader dynamic range.
The band’s evolution in sound and performance style has garnered them a dedicated following, with fans eagerly anticipating their live shows. At their upcoming performance at the Kilowatt, audience members can expect a high-energy and captivating performance that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of psychedelic and punk elements. With a solid lineup of talented musicians and a unique sound that pushes boundaries, Hot Lunch continues to establish themselves as a powerhouse in the Bay Area music scene.
Hot Lunch’s ability to combine raw energy with musical intricacy sets them apart from their counterparts, capturing the spirit of punk while exploring new sonic territory. Their music appeals to a diverse audience, drawing in fans of punk, metal, and experimental music alike. As they take the stage at the Kilowatt, Hot Lunch promises to deliver a night of exhilarating music that showcases their depth and creativity as a band.