American college radio faves The Dambuilders are back with their new single “Shrine 2026”, marking the band’s first new release in decades. Released via Magic Door Record Label in traditional A / B format, "Shrine 2026" comes with the companion track “I Hope We’re Not Too Late”, recorded and produced by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ and mastered by award-winning engineer Greg Calbi (Lennon, Bowie, Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty).
2025 saw the band's reformation with reunion shows at Dromfest and NYC Berlin, where they performed their 1989 debut album in its entirety. In April, they will once again be performing in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island. Involving a host of special guests, these are the band's first performances in either city in 30 years, offering a rare opportunity to experience the band’s dynamic live presence.
“Shrine 2026” revisits one of the band's most beloved songs, from their 1994 album "Encendedor", reaffirming the group’s signature blend of emotional immediacy and sonic invention.
While The Dambuilders are most associated with the 1990s Boston rock scene, the band originated in Honolului, formed by Dave Derby, Tryan George and Eric Masunaga—veterans of Honolulu acts like the Exactones—and joined byelectric violinist Debbie Fox. After relocating to Boston in 1990, the group solidified into its definitive "classic" lineup by 1992, with Derby on vocals and bass, Masunaga on guitar, Kevin March on drums, and Joan Wasser on violin.
Now The Dambuilders re-emerge with a renewed sense of purpose with Dave Derbyand Kevin March joined by guitarist Sean Eden (Luna) and violinist Claudia Chopek (Dexys, Father John Misty, The Little River Band). Their performance of the B-side “I Hope We’re Not Too Late” uphold the bend's core elements and original identity while embracing an evolving sound.
The Dambuilders built a devoted following throughout the 1990s, touring North America, Europe and Australia alongside artists such as Lush, Luna, Jeff Buckley, Weezer and Better Than Ezra. They would release 3 records via the !Cuacha! Label and 3 albums for Elektra Records, along with a song cycle that dedicated a number of tracks to the 50 states (most notably,“Idaho” and “Delaware”).
"Encendedor" became a cornerstone of their catalog, with “Shrine” ranked at No. 17 in MTV’s 100 Greatest Songs of the ‘90s: Lollapalooza edition. Following the release of "Against the Stars" in 1997, the band stepped away from recording and touring, with its members going on to pursue a wide range of acclaimed musical projects in the years that followed.
Joan Wasser went on to work with Jeff Buckley before founding her iconic project Joan As Police Woman, and Kevin March joined Guided By Voices, having also done stints with Shudder To Think, Hot One and Mind Science Of The Mind. Eric Masunaga, who returned for The Dambuilders' 2025 reunion dates, continues his production work through Modulus Studios in Boston, while Tryan George became a video director for major acts like Smash Mouth, Our Lady Peace, and Toto.
Dave Derby went on to launch and become involved in multiple projects, including Lloyd Cole and The Negatives, Brilliantine and Gramercy Arms, for which he has collaborated with numerous luminaries, including members of Nada Surf, The Psychedelic Furs, Belly, Throwing Muses, Sparklehorse, The Philip Glass Ensemble, Dead Air, The Magnetic Fields, Codeine, Elk City, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, Letters to Cleo, Fuzzy, The Monsieurs, A Girl Called Eddy, Small Factory, The King Canutes, Diesel, Royal Arctic Institute, Aeon Station and Semi-Gloss.
Fun facts: Derby launched a successful music for TV company Derby and Kotch with Michael Kotch (Eve’s Plum, Lloyd Cole and the Negatives), and did music for Sarah Silverman’s TV shows and film (“Jesus is Magic”). Working with Vitamin C (Eve’s Plum), they wrote music for Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. Along with Jill Sobule, they created music for the Nickelodeon TV show “Unfabulous,” starring Emma Roberts. Derby and Kotch also won a BMI Music award for the theme song and score of MTV’s “70s House.”
37 years after their first record, The Dambuilders’ story is still being written. “Shrine 2026” starts a new chapter. As vital and compelling as ever, their songs remain just as emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous today. As of April 1, "Shrine 2006" will be available on digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Tickets for their East coast shows are also available now.
CREDITS
"Shrine 2026” written by Kevin March, Dave Derby, Eric Masunaga & Joan Wasser
"I Hope We’re Not Too Late” written by Dave Derby, Kevin March, Sean Eden & Claudia Chopek
Dave Derby - bass, vocals
Kevin March - drums, vocals
Sean Eden - guitar, vocals
Claudia Chopek - violin, vocals
Doug Gillard - additional guitars on “Shrine 2026”
Renée Lo Bue - backing vocals on “I Hope We’re Not Too Late”
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Recorded at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NY
Mastered by Greg Calbi
Cover artwork by Colin Burns
Released via Magic Door Recording Label
'Shrine 2006' video directed by Bruno Corbo (2026) & Tryan George (1994)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
LIVE DATES
April 24 - NYC, Mercury Lounge (with Sleepyhead)
April 25 - Providence, RI - Myrtle (with Sleepyhead)
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