Description
Das Damen – Triskaidekaphobe – Compact Disc
Das Damen was formed in 1984 and emerged from the underground music scene of New Jersey, United States. The band’s lineup consisted of Jim Walters on guitar and vocals, Alex Totino on bass, Phil Leopold von Trapp on drums, and Lyle Hysen on guitar. They gained recognition for their unique blend of alternative rock, noise rock, and psychedelic influences.
Triskaidekaphobe was released in 1991 as the band’s third studio album. The title, Triskaidekaphobe, refers to the fear or superstition associated with the number thirteen. The album showcases Das Damen’s musical versatility and experimental approach. It features a mix of heavy, distorted guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and intricate song structures.
Triskaidekaphobe (fear of the number 13), their third recording for the label, is all about the guitar, and the guitar playing throughout is quite good (Wayne Kramer from MC5 assists with what the credits describe as “riff rock”). Unlike Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth, however, Das Damen never quite ventured into the realm of pure noise. Their approach was more like that of the Screaming Trees or even the Meat Puppets (i.e., neo-psychedelic guitar rock with a garage chaser).
But the New York-based quartet lacked the very ingredient that would help the Trees go on to even greater success in the ’90s: a vocalist with the range and presence of a Mark Lanegan. Urgent but undistinguished vocals prevent Triskaidekaphobe from having the impact that it should. Dinosaur Jr.’s love of excessive volume helped to disguise a similar shortcoming during their SST years.
The album opens with the energetic track “Spider Birds,” setting the tone for the rest of the record. Songs like “Reverse Into Tomorrow” and “Up For The Ride” exhibit the band’s knack for crafting catchy hooks and dynamic shifts within their music. Triskaidekaphobe also includes longer, more exploratory tracks like “Candy Korn” and “Ruby Woodpecker,” where the band delves into atmospheric soundscapes and extended instrumental sections.
Das Damen’s music is characterized by a balance between raw, noisy elements and melodic sensibilities. Their songwriting often incorporates unconventional time signatures and dissonant guitar textures, contributing to their distinctive sound. While they may not have achieved widespread commercial success, Das Damen’s music has gained a cult following and remains influential among fans of alternative and indie rock.
The Marshmellow Conspiracy EP, released the same year, included album tracks “Bug” (possibly as much a tribute to Mascis and company as “fIREJOKE” was to fIREHOSE) and an alternate version of “555,” along with non-LP tracks “Sky Yen” and “Song for Michael Jackson to $ell” (i.e., “Magical Mystery Tour” in disguise). When representatives for Jackson, owner of the Beatles’ catalog, found out about the deception, SST was forced to withdraw the EP. It was later reissued as a three-track recording.
After Triskaidekaphobe, Das Damen released one more album, “Entertainment,” in 1993 before disbanding in the mid-1990s. However, their music continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts of the alternative rock scene.
SST Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Song List
Spider Birds
Reverse Into Tomorrow
Pendant
Seven
Five Five Five
Firejoke
Bug
Siren Plugs
Up For The Ride
Ruby Woodpecker
Candy Korn
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