Frankie and the Witch Fingers mesmerize L.A.’s music scene
There is a band in Los Angeles that is catching the attention of music legends like Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, and Motley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx – Frankie and the Witch Fingers. This L.A.-based band brings a unique blend of garage and psychedelic rock that hints at influences from Oingo Boingo and Devo with their energetic and pointed sound.
Their latest album, “Trash Classic,” featuring 11 tracks, perfectly encapsulates the band’s essence. Before embarking on tour, the band gathers in their rehearsal space in a legendary Vernon warehouse, surrounded by a whiteboard with their setlist and poster boards filled with phrases that inspired the creation of their album. Phrases like “Lord Forgive Us For Our Synths,” “Jello -B.Y.O.F. (Bring Your Own Fork) – Ra,” and “Weenus” adorn the walls, sparking laughter and memories amongst the band members.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers came together over a decade ago when Dylan Sizemore (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Josh Menashe (lead guitar, backing vocals, synthesizer) met at college in Indiana. Despite being in different bands, they connected at gigs and parties and eventually decided to jam together. Sizemore recalls the day he showed up at Menashe’s house with a bunch of songs, impressed by his music skills and hoping to create something great together.
Menashe, a San Diego native, had already dropped out of college by the time they met. He held various day jobs at a screen-printing shop and a Turkish restaurant to fuel his passion for music. His dedication to his art led him to prioritize music over academics, never settling on a major because nothing felt as right as pursuing his musical dreams. Sizemore, on the other hand, was experimenting with power-pop music and was part of a band called Dead Beach that had a garage rock sound reminiscent of bands like Nirvana.
The chemistry between Sizemore and Menashe was undeniable, leading to the formation of Frankie and the Witch Fingers. The band’s multi-faceted sound, fueled by their mutual love for music, has garnered a broad fan base that includes some of the most iconic names in the industry. The diversity of their followers speaks to the band’s unique appeal and ability to transcend genres and generations with their music.
As they gear up for their tour, Frankie and the Witch Fingers are set to cast their spell on audiences across the country with their spastic energy and psychedelic rock vibes. With a mix of garage rock grit and catchy hooks, this band is undoubtedly on the rise and destined to leave a lasting mark on the rock scene in Los Angeles and beyond.