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Formed in October of 1992, the Hentchmen were one of the most popular live acts in lower Michigan throughout the ’90s. Featuring organist/vocalist Johnny Volare, guitarist Tim V. Eight, and drummer Chris Handyside, the band performed a primitive garage band sound that utilized few instruments and referenced their heroes in ’60s music. They began performing around Ann Arbor and Detroit, gaining a small but rabid fanbase. They released their eponymous debut and produced several indie singles, eventually scoring a contract with Norton Records in New York City. “The Hentch” began touring nationally, keeping their home base in Michigan while seeing the rest of the country. They released another album before Handyside was gone, replaced by drummer Mike Audi. With Audi on board they recorded Broad Appeal and Motorvatin’, both popular local hits that never quite branched out into larger exposure. Still, one didn’t need to pity the Hentchmen. They’d been at it for almost a decade, and had toured ten times more than your average garage rock slickers. In other words, those in the know already knew. In 2003, Norton issued the Three Times Infinity LP to critical and local acclaim; a year later, the band debuted on the Times Beach imprint with Form Follows Function. Italy released Hentch.Forth.Five (with Jack White), a collection of early works, in 2007. |
