Extra Dexter Texture

(Dexter Romweber photo by Camellia Morton)

Today's all about the Deerhunter at The Boot. It's a big deal. Expect a big crowd. I'll give you my take on the show later this weekend.
But for now, I'm turning elsewhere.
Dexter Romweber is one of those true, pure rock 'n' roll animals -- a guy who's studied the past, but also has a visceral hold on the music. I first saw his band Flat Duo Jets in Chapel Hill in about 1985, at UNC's Ackland Art Museum. It ranks among my favorite rock moments ever. Dex was thrashing about, threatening to knock over precious works of art. He seemed to be experiencing rockabilly convulsions -- eyes rolling back in his head as he sang -- and he literally kicked off his very cruddy thrift-store shoes while drummer Crow beat the living shit out of the drums.
Flip ahead 23 years and Romweber is still at it. He's well loved and respected in rock 'n' roll circles -- Jack White of the White Stripes has cited him as a primary influence.
But Romweber has never made a pile of money.
I hear you thinking, "But Sam, Dexter is from Chapel Hill. What does this have to do with 'Music in and around Norfolk'?" The local connection comes from drummer Sam "Crash" LaResh, a local guy who played with Romweber for years. Dex seemed to consider Norfolk a second home for a time in the 1990s.
I'm happy to report that Dexter's upcoming album may get him some richly deserved mass-media attention, thanks to some high-profile collaborators. Here's the press release that was sent out back in June:

**** Bloodshot Records and Dex Romweber announce the signing of a multi-album deal – a match made in heaven between two arbiters of the edgy side of rock, R&B and country. The first album, as yet untitled, will feature duets between Dex and Cat Power, Neko Case and Exene Cervenka. Recording commences in mid-August at Overdub Lane in Durham , NC ; John Plymale (Meat Puppets, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Corrosion Of Conformity) is producing. Said Nan Warshaw, Bloodshot co-owner, “Dexter’s reputation as a musician’s musician is well-established and so deserved, but we here at Bloodshot are also in awe of the unbridled fury and raw soul he has unleashed for decades.”

Dex Romweber is nothing less than an icon of the American music underground. The former frontman for the world famous psycho-surf-rockabilly-garage-punk combo Flat Duo Jets, released his first of nine albums in 1990 to rave reviews worldwide. He starred alongside R.E.M. and The B-52s in the 1987 cult classic film “ Athens , GA Inside Out”. His first national tour in 1990 was as opening act for The Cramps. He was showcased on MTV's The Cutting Edge and 120 Minutes, starred in the Flat Duo Jets videos "Wild Wild Lover" and "Radioactive Man", made a stunning performance on Late Night with David Letterman, and has shared the stage with dozens of other rock icons including Iggy Pop and the White Stripes.

The Dex Romweber Duo also features Dex’s celebrated sibling Sara Romweber (Mitch Easter, Lets Active, Snatches of Pink) on drums. Together the two have been performing electrifying concerts all over the US, including touring with Cat Power, Neko Case, Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers, Southern Culture On The Skids and the Squirrel Nut Zippers. ****