Gramercy Arms

Gramercy Arms operates as a shifting collective from New York City under the direction of Dave Derby, channeling an eclectic and airy strain of indie rock steeped in power pop much in the manner of his best-known earlier outfit the Dambuilders, while varying its approach from one track to the next. Founding members came from Luna, Guided by Voices, and Dead Air, with further input supplied over time by ex-Dambuilder Joan Wasser, performing as Joan as Police Woman, as well as Lloyd Cole and comedian Sarah Silverman. Derby has indicated that the ensemble maintains an open, rotating roster. Taking its title from a ten-story building in the band’s New York City base, Gramercy Arms issued its debut album on Reveal Records in 2008. Derby produced the set with assistance from Shudder to Think’s Nathan Larson, resulting in crisp, melody-driven pop that drew consistently strong notices without generating a broad audience.