The Dambuilders

The alternative pop band the Dambuilders first assembled in Honolulu, Hawaii during 1989. Vocalist and bassist Dave Derby joined guitarist Eric Masunaga, both of whom had previously played in the Exactones, to launch the group. The pair quickly laid down a demo called A Young Person's Guide that somehow reached Europe and arrived at the Berlin offices of Cuacha. After only minor remixing, the label issued the material as an LP, prompting the band to tour Germany. Once back in the United States the Dambuilders moved to Boston and put out the single "Pop Song Equals Food" in 1991, then followed it later that year with their second album, Geek Lust. Violinist and vocalist Joan Wassar plus drummer Kevin March soon joined, expanding the lineup. With the new configuration in place, the group recorded several singles, a further Cuacha LP titled Islington Porn Tapes in 1992, and the 1993 SpinArt EP Tough Guy Problem. Signing with the major label EastWest, the Dambuilders returned in 1994 with the album Encendedor and released Ruby Red the following year. In 1996 the collection God Dambuilders Bless America gathered fifteen tracks drawn from single sides, LP cuts, and related material connected to their ongoing "50 Songs for 50 States" project, while the entirely new album Against the Stars arrived the next summer.