Back in the 90s, The Dambuilders released a string of albums that gained a cult following. With competition from the likes of Cracker, Sponge, and a wealth of other alternative bands circa 1994/5, they never hit the “big leagues”, at least in the truest sense, but they were one of those acts that really seemed to capture the essence of the US “college rock” sound. In the UK, their fifth album ‘Ruby Red’ could occasionally be spotted in London’s bargain bins, and for those who took the time to listen, it was an album that offered much to enjoy – especially for lovers of the equally undervalued Green Apple Quick Step and Mother May I.
The Dambuilders had split by the turn of the millennium, and most people figured they’d never be heard from again. However, an unexpected reunion in 2025 saw the band playing several live shows in the US. A subsequent visit to the studio yielded a couple of new tracks, with The Dambuilders taking baby steps to a fully fledged return.
The first of those recordings will be familiar to most. ‘Shrine 2026’ revisits The Dambuilders’ most successful number, affording it a much bigger production sound. The crisp drum sound present throughout (courtesy of original drummer and later Guided By Voices man Kevin March) and prominent bass sound far more professional, and certainly less demo-like than the recording from 1994’s ‘Encendedor’. You might think that would soften the song’s edge, but there’s no sign of that here: between the more melodic, bouncy elements of the number, the abrasive, Bob Mould inspired sheet-of-noise guitar fills still cut through with a genuine intent. If anything, they now sound like an even more effective contrast with the hugely melodic basslines that propel the performance, showing how The Dambuilders ’26 have just as much vigour as in their youth. Perhaps more impressively, the vocals sit so naturally. Measured against the recording from over thirty years previously, Dave Derby’s voice remains seemingly unchanged, as if he’s been cryogenically frozen, awaiting this moment in time for The Dambuilders to have a second crack at world domination. With the violin part also given a bigger role here, this could be considered the definitive version of ‘Shrine’.
Taking a moment to slow down, the jangly ‘I Hope We’re Not Too Late’ finds guitarist Sean Eden taking prominent role, pushing against some great harmony vocals reminiscent of Green Apple Quick Step’s slower jams. The mid tempo, chopping riff provides a perfect counterpoint for Claudia Copek’s violin work, which adds more of an epic feel as the track progresses. Despite some great vocals and a slow burning, slightly 70s feel running throughout the track, it’s hard to not feel even more drawn to some of Eden’s lead work, since he contrasts some hugely melodic aspects here with a few pointed and atonal leads, tapping into the band’s obvious love of 90s alt rock, spearheaded by Dinosaur Jr. The first listen to this track reveals a slow burner; a few listens in, and its layered sound suggests something that feels deeper and more mature.
Sometimes you have to go back to go forwards, and that’s very much the case here, since the re-recorded ‘Shrine’ is awesome. ‘I Hope We’re Not Too Late’ is far less immediate, but shows the returning Dambuilders paving their way to something genuinely great. Those who liked The Dambuilders in the 90s will surely be more than pleased with this double shot, while those who missed their output back in the day should consider this a window into other great sounds, and move backwards through the catalogue when time allows. Naturally, two songs provides too short a listen, but this definitely marks a welcome return for Dave, Kevin and company.
June 2026