When The dB’s released their debut Stands for deciBels in January 1981, critics were virtually unanimous. The New York City (by way of North Carolina) quartet had delivered a set of songs that was smart and irresistible, rooted in rock traditions yet fresh and new. Intelligent lyrics, inventive melodies and sharp hooks were wedded to a forward-looking musical sensibility. Drawing influences from both well-known and obscure-but-great sources, The dB’s earned widespread praise. 

The band had no sophomore slump and 1982’s Repercussion would serve up a bouquet of classics: Holsapple’s “Amplifier” and Stamey’s “From a Window to a Screen” are among the record’s standouts, but the quality never flags.

These two albums were recently reissued by Propeller Sound Recordings, offering fans the first US vinyl versions of the records.  A tour with the original line up of the band ensued and you will see the original quartet today at 30A.

The dB’s filtered their diverse inspirations through their own collective sensibility, creating truly original music in the process. Primary songwriters Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple are very different songwriters. Where Peter might find inspiration in an old Bo Diddley tune, Chris could be sparked by the work of modernist classical composer Charles Ives.