This is version 2.0 of live 2002, recently trimmed and expanded to create the ultimate DvsD listening experience.
Damiana vs Dogasse dances on the fence between electronic and organic/acoustic music. Damiana plays keyboards, voice, drum machine, bass sequencer, sampler, micro-cassette tapes, hand drums, and mix down. Dogasse plays electronic drums, djembe, ashiko, sampler, and toy instruments. No computers, sequencers, or midi is used in the music of DvsD, all songs are triggered and played live in real time. The combination of high tech instruments and a more primitive approach to using them creates a unique sound that places the emphasis on the groove.
Damiana has been a solo project for M Pike for a number of years now. He has several albums of material as Damiana, and has played out as a one man exp. techno-industrial unit. Playing behind a wall of samplers, keyboards, effect boxes,other electronic boxes, and vox Damiana is a stimulant and sedative all at once. Hear to save you, gone tomorrow.
Dogasse was supposed to be a side project for R Carter The energy of the very first practices of DvsD was high enough to convince R to quit the band he was in, and play in DvsD full time.
Damiana vs Dogasse is thoroughly rehearsed and potently spontaneous. DvsD organized a two week alternative music festival Feb 14-28 2003, Fringe Fest. DvsD were interviewed by the regional NPR station for a feature broadcast. DvsD prefer working in the studio, but are absolutely LIVE.
It was recorded live to digital video, a raw sound that we believe takes listeners on a voyage in thier mind, the background chatter at moments of ambiance charming, and the ecstatic cheer later when a supportive friend hears her favorite song coming up- priceless.
Here is how you say our name...
(Da-Me-Ah-Na versus Doh-Ga-Say)
Here are some reactions people have had after hearing the exciting music of DvsD...
"Carter and Pike's sound rides the borders between techno, dub, and trance. They aim for an almost organic aesthetic both in recording and performing, which puts them at odds with ruling orthodoxies in electronic music."
-John Bennett for the Campus Chronicle, Sav,Ga
"These two electronic/experimental music veterans play partially improvised soundscapes to abstract video collages. DvsD claim the dub movement and Skinny Puppy as influences and with keyboards, samplers, electronic drums, handheld percussion and micro-cassettes, they're easily the least commercial band playing City Market all year."
-Jim Reed for Connect Savannah
"Hypnotic strings and choir voices coupled with a flood of percussive sounds...a harsher and more experimental version of Enigma, without the safe Pop beat. In fact, DvsD actually accomplishes the transcendental mood that Enigma superficially replicates. Unconcerned with placating the audience with trendy dance beats, this techno set-up employs real musical mechanics and compositional talent to invoke a variety of changing moods. The energetic rhythms contrast sharply with the smooth melodies, creating a sound both upbeat and lively, and at the same time eerily peaceful.
...Their live set is a LIVING AUDIO BEING continuously metamorphosing along well rendered transitions from one melody to another, often taking sharp right turns. Set up includes a stream-of-consciousness visual display...adding an optical consort to the audio samples. DvsD is not only a great band to listen and dance to, but much more interesting than watching a DJ spin a new dub plate. Anyone who is interested in electronica but dissapointed in the generic techno played at clubs should definitely be at the next DvsD show!"
-music review by Aami
Look for "The Lucid Luck", a collection of unreleased DvsD collaborations, outtakes, and oddities coming soon to CDBABY.Also get ready for the 2012 DvsD reunion tour. You've been warned.
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