Los Angeles musician Lukas Frank, who performs under the name Storefront Church, is currently enjoying a remarkable wave of critical and commercial success. His self-released second album, 'Ink & Oil', is attracting rave reviews for its epic sound and emotional depth.
From Session Drummer to Frontman
Frank's journey to this point has been one of perseverance. Now 27, he began his career as a teenage session drummer, touring with the band Portugal the Man and playing alongside artists like Perfume Genius and his childhood friend Phoebe Bridgers. While his connections in the industry provided opportunities, Frank also put in the hard work, balancing his music career with jobs as a teacher and a waiter.
His background is notably artistic; he is the son of Scott Frank, the director of the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. His first album, 2021's 'As We Pass', featured collaborations such as DIIV guitarist Zachary Cole Smith.
A Cinematic Sound Captivates London
The momentum for Storefront Church is now undeniable. This month, Frank played a completely sold-out gig at the atmospheric St Pancras Old Church in London. The prestigious audience included Mike Hadreas of Perfume Genius, members of the Last Dinner Party, and musicians from the Horrors.
Critics are describing the 'Ink & Oil' album as an 'emotional flood', praising its grand scale. The sound is a blend of baroque pop, characterised by large piano and drum arrangements, sweeping choruses, and the lush, cinematic orchestrations of collaborator Travis Warner.
New Music and The Meaning Behind the Name
Frank is not resting on his laurels. A cover of Duran Duran's 'The Chauffeur' has just been released, with another single scheduled for February. His passionate live performances and covers of songs by artists like Roxy Music and the Sisters of Mercy are also drawing attention.
The name Storefront Church is itself significant. It refers to a place of worship housed in a former shop or restaurant, a fitting metaphor for the praise and recognition now being directed at Frank's music, built from a foundation of dedication and raw emotion.
