Sleepyhead

Can’t believe we’re playing with the Dambuilders later this month for the first time in 30ish years!❤️❤️

OUT TODAY ON MAGIC DOOR! The Dambuilders revisit one of their most beloved songs with a newly re-recorded 2026 version of “Shrine,” a standout single from their 1994 album Encendedor. A defining track of the ‘90s indie rock landscape—blending jagged guitar pop with the band’s signature violin textures—“Shrine” captured a cross-cultural indie-rock love story that helped the band break into wider audiences and earn Modern Rock chart and MTV 120 Minutes success.

“Shrine 2026” features original members Dave Derby (bass/vocals), Kevin March (drums/vocals) as well as newer members Sean Eden (Luna) and Claudia Chopek (Bright Eyes, Dexys). Doug Gillard from Guided by Voices also contributed guitar to the track.

On the flip side: “I Hope We’re Not Too Late,” was recorded during the same sessions - written by Derby, March, Chopek, and Eden, demonstrating the Dambuilders’ career-long flair for collaboration and improvisation, bringing the voices of all new and original Dambuilders to the fore. March brought the initial sketch of the song to the band, who turned it into an epic, future classic about navigating the past and its connection to the present and future. In the plaintive rideout, the band asks: “Can we be that sure of where the road is supposed to go?/Can we disconnect the past? We’ve walked this path before. The song features backing vocals by Renée LoBue (Elk City).

Catch The Dambuilders live on April 24th at NYC’s Mercury Lounge and April 25th at Myrtle in East Providence, RI.

Kevin March / drums
Claudia Chopek / violin, backing vocals
Sean Eden / guitar
Dave Derby / bass and vocals
Doug Gillard / additional guitars
Renée Lobue / backing vocals

Recorded and Mixed at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Mastered by Greg Calbi

Two big shows this weekend! Friday night at Lilypad Inman and Saturday night at Tubby's Kingston.