Comateens

Despite their macabre moniker, the Comateens leaned more toward upbeat revelry than horror. Their name originated from a sensational New York Post headline, extending the ghoulish party vibe first sparked by the Cramps and the Fleshtones. The addition of the B-52's unhinged vitality rounded out their distinctive style. Formed in New York during 1980, the initial lineup featured Ramona Jan on guitar alongside Nik North, who handled bass and vocals, plus a drum machine. Once Lyn Byrd, contributing synthesizer and vocals, and Oliver North, on guitar and vocals, entered the fold, the group captured their debut self-titled LP in 1981. That release earned cult status among college hipsters, largely due to the band's take on "The Munsters Theme." European audiences embraced them even more warmly, proving more receptive to eccentric numbers such as the necrophilia-themed "Cool Chick." Two further albums followed—Pictures on a String in 1983 and Deal With It in 1984—before the band disbanded in 1985. Byrd and Oliver North later reconvened as North and Byrd, though North died shortly after.