The Dambuilders - Encendedor

The album Encendedor was the fourth full-length and major label debut for The Dambuilders, which was released in 1994. The bands lineup consisted of members David Derby (vocals/bass), Eric Masunaga (guitars), Joan Wassar (violin), and Kevin March (drums). They were a fairly under the radar act for the duration of the 90’s, all the way up until their last album Against the Stars in 1997. However, it’s their album Encendedor that really stands as one of my favorite albums from the entire alternative rock boom of the 90’s. When MTV actually showed cool videos late at night and you stayed up to watch them whether you were sleep depraved or not. I remember seeing the video for “Shrine”, and while it isn’t the most amazing thing in the world, I dug the idea of a violinist in a band and the song was pretty damn catchy too. At that time I hadn’t really heard or even knew of any band containing one. Needless to say, the band serves as a sense of nostalgia for me.

I had intended on doing a sort of discography post for the band, and maybe in the future I will. However, I really just wanted to focus mostly on this album, as it really is the one I listen to the most. That, and some of the bands earlier albums/material had songs that were featured on Encendedor anyway. So, it all works out in the end, right? Regardless, their following albums of Ruby Red and Against the Stars are both pretty solid too for those that are interested.

Despite Encendedor probably being my favorite Dambuilders album, it really is the one I see where the band is pulling everything together and establishing their sound. Its production allows for plenty of melody to shine through and even though some might look at the violin as sort of gimmicky instrument for a rock band, just listen to this album and it will surely change your mind. Although they were unconventional as a band and with their songwriting at times, it’s those aspects of the band that really drew me in the first place.

Dambuilders – Shrine [MP3]
Dambuilders – Colin’s Heroes [MP3]
Dambuilders – Delaware [MP3]

You can find almost everything they’ve released over the years used over at Amazon for practically nothing. So, if you dig the tunes above then by all means drop the cash for whatever shipping is these days and pick this or any of their albums up. Enjoy!