Against the Stars

Dambuilders

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 29, 1997)
• Original Release Date: July 29, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000002HP5
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #257,454 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There's a gloss of electronica on the 1997 Dambuilders' album, Against the Stars, but these synth and drum loops have less to do with today's ambient-rave and bass-heavy mixes than they do with such early-'80s British synthesizer bands as A Flock of Seagulls and Icicle Works. Like their models, the Dambuilders are essentially a pop band with art-rock pretensions. The industrial-strength, microchip rhythms and portentous vocals barely disguise a love for radio-friendly pop hooks. Fortunately, the quartet has a knack for such hooks, which are kicked into motion by all the technology the band can muster.

Despite their Anglophile leanings, the Dambuilders were founded in Hawaii, released their first recordings in Germany, and are now based in Boston. In fact, guitarist Eric Masunaga produced Against the Stars, the group's fifth album, in the Boston basement studio of drummer Kevin March. The disc contains several ill-considered attempts to sound like prophets of a computerized future, and two underwhelming examples of violinist Joan Wasser's lead vocals. The Dambuilders are much better off when they tackle such old-fashioned romantic themes as "Break Up with Your Boyfriend," "Burn This Bridge," and "You'll Never Know." On these numbers, lead singer Dave Derby addresses would-be and ex-lovers in a big, aching voice carried along by the band's considerable melodic momentum. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Without reservation: A very good album, June 13, 2000

By	"omniscientfool" (Beijing, China) - See all my reviews

And it's oh-so-pretty, too! The only reason I can imagine this bouncy pop-rock was kept off the air would be that it was deemed TOO catchy. Bummer of a band name--it doesn't make them seem the type that would play mod light fixtures on their album cover. The gender alternation on lead vocals works surprisingly well. It's enough fun to be hip & indie, but commercial enough to hold together for the full 45. "Discopolis" really cooks.

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool & Quirky..., June 22, 2005

By	notatthistime "notatthistime" (notatthistime) - See all my reviews

Great summertime disc. If you think of all the crappy music you've bot over the years, the $15.00 wasted over & over, this one wont fall into that category. Cool & quirky late 90's music. They were hurt by 2 issues: too good musically and lyrics not sad enough. In the 90's happy & crafting a good song was not cool. So, it's safe now, it's 2005. The next time your cookin out yard party style, this one will be perfect!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Missed ~ SO SAD, May 1, 2004

By A Customer

This one was lost in the media mess out there .... would have been a classic. Different and fresh. Enjoy.