The Dambuilders were one of the more innovative and distinctive bands of the early 1990s Boston rock scene, playing edgy guitar pop uniquely flavoured with rock violin. Founding members Dave Derby and Eric Masunaga both hail from Hawaii, and had played in a number of bands before moving to Boston in 1990 and forming the Dambuilders. After a few personnel changes, the "classic lineup" consisted of Derby (bass/lead vocals), Masunaga (guitar), Joan Wasser (violin/vocals), and Kevin March (drums).