Damon & Naomi

Finding An Honest Place Through Collaboration

originally published October 17, 2007

Damon Krukowski and Naomi Yang's influence on the American indie scene may not be a subject that crosses the lips of anyone other than hyperbolic, intensely obsessed music writers, but remains undeniable all the same. As the rhythm section of the highly original and far-reaching Galaxie 500, the pair's thoughtful, deliberate structure lent stability to the shaky, desperate tone and guitar of band frontman Dean Wareham.

Since that band's demise in 1991, Krukowski and Yang have performed under a few different monikers (Magic Hour, Pierre Etoile and Damon & Naomi) and with a few other people while simultaneously pursuing the foundation of their book publishing company Exact Change. They've also found time to focus on Krukowski's creative writing and Yang's visual art. In short, they've spent way more time outside of Galaxie 500 than they did within it. And in this time, Damon & Naomi have forged a unique identity such that for folks to refer to them automatically as "ex-Galaxie 500," while not incorrect technically, seems needlessly nostalgic.

Touring behind their newest album, Within These Walls, which the pair released via their own 20/20/20 Records imprint, Damon & Naomi are joined onstage by Japanese guitar master Michio Kurihara. The pair first met Kurihara after befriending Japanese band Ghost in the late 1990s. Known not only for his manual dexterity, but also his almost preternatural musical instincts, Kurihara plays electric guitar on Within These Walls, his third recorded collaboration with Damon & Naomi. Kurihara will also perform at the 40 Watt with the band Boris, which shares the bill that night.

The paring of the truly massive-sounding Japanese band Boris with the delicate, introspective music of Damon & Naomi seems, at first, an incongruent bill that would split an audience. "There have only been two shows so far," says Krukowski. "At the Wire festival, it seemed to make sense to the crowd. Tonight [Tuesday, Oct. 2], at an all-ages show in Philly, in a sweaty basement club, maybe less so… But it makes sense to the bands." It makes sense because, artistically speaking, both Boris and Damon & Naomi seek the same things - both push beyond what they've done before and both are endlessly curious about what can be created within their musical realms.

Still, how does such a bill even happen? Krukowski says it was a pretty simple affair. He explains, "We met Boris when they came through Boston on tour. Kurihara was at our house recording basic tracks for the album, and asked if we wanted to go see them. Afterwards, they told us that they listened to [Damon & Naomi's 2005 album] The Earth Is Blue in the van every day because it was their daughter's favorite! Atsuo, the drummer, suggested that we tour together. We were charmed, but thought he was joking. Later, Kurihara said to us, that was no joke, they really want to do this."

Although through seven albums and 16 years, Damon & Naomi have dug deep, both lyrically and musically, to deliver an intensely heartfelt music, the tunes on Within These Walls are so emotionally bare, so close-to-the-bone, that it's easy to feel duty-bound to spend time alone with it. Tracks such as "The Well" ("I never learned to turn my boat / Into the waves to survive / I let the cruel, cruel water just rise and rise") and "Cruel Queen" ("Mother, dear mother / I only want your blessing") imply that the songs on the album were culled from deep personal experiences.

Krukowski simply says, "We wanted this record to be honest, above all." Which is, actually, a perfect answer. It's unnecessary for Krukowski to elaborate because the music speaks so well for itself. The intensity of Damon & Naomi, through tender, quiet songs of a deeply personal nature, easily matches the visceral intensity of being blown away by Boris. This bill is - if it can really be nailed down and defined - a bill for music fans. That is, not just those who enjoy a good tune played by a competent band, but, rather, those who can recognize the interconnectivity of seemingly disparate musical styles, and that the surface differences are, in many ways, merely cosmetic. However, you don't need to consider yourself a deep thinker on the subject to simply enjoy the music. If you just want to listen and take it all in, then that's a legitimate and honest pursuit. After all, as Krukowski put it, the point is honesty, above all.

Gordon Lamb

WHO: Boris, Damon & Naomi, Michio Kurihara, Noot D'Noot
WHERE: 40 Watt Club
WHEN: Tuesday, October 23
HOW MUCH: $9