Color 9.2 Buy This Issue Now

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From the early days of backyard shows and ramp jams deep in S.F.’s Mission district, Hightower have developed a devoted following. In those early days, they were unable to get gigs in local venues, and took to the road in order to build up a name, only to later break back into their own hometown once the buzz started. There is just something about Hightower that grabs you by the short and curlies. The heartbeat, Shane “In Blood” on drums, pounds away and sets the pace, while the massive mop of hair, Puppy Breath aka Jake, plays his guitar with a ferocity that belies his size, and Dave, a tall pillar of metal monk weaves bass lines like Grant Taylor skates a pool, and holds the frenetic energy of Shane and Jake together. Even those who don’t like their type of music can’t help but listen. Their tonal quality is something guttural, hitting something universal and true. Once described as “Street Metal,” they will play anywhere they can: from S.F.’s street corners to skate parks along their tour route. Dark and menacing, fast paced and driving, their sound hints at influence, but is all their own. Intentional or not, their songs work nicely in skate videos, and have been featured in Anti-Hero’s Tent City and various Thrasher projects. Most recently, the folks who made the Natalie Portman-starred indie film Hesher used one of their songs in the film’s trailer. Who knows what the future may hold for this decade-deep band. One thing is for sure, they’ll be skating and playing for as long as they can. Devotion and passion run deep in this trio.