October 15, 2008 was the day American Math Rock band Don Caballero started their tour in Europe. On the fourth day of the tour Drummerszone.com hooked up with the 3-piece band to see the show and talk with drummer Damon Che about the new \'Punkgasm\' album. But not only the album was topic of discussion; also the history of the band and songwriting and influences of the band. But with Damon Che, you can talk just as easily about apples as about music.
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For many years now, Don Caballero (or \'Don Cab\' or \'The Don\') has a vast group of fans world wide. A statement proved by this tour which has 31 shows in 32 days, just to promote the new album \'Punkgasm\' in as many places as possible. Drummer Damon Che reactivated the band once again in 2003 after a period of relative silence. On this second album after the reunion you can hear vocals for the first time. (More about that in the videos of the interview.) On the title track Punkgasm guitar player Gene Doyle plays the drums on the song. During the concert Damon Che and Doyle switched instruments and showed the band are just as good on stage as they are on the record.
With his Pro-Mark TXDC10W marching stick, a more then deviating setup of his snare drum, positioned low between his legs in approx. 50 degrees, and his own typical way of playing, Damon Che is able to play the most difficult things in time, feel and rhythm. Often, he shows his technical speed, yet at the same time being as subtle and precise in his playing. For sure there aren’t many drummers who can play with such control with sticks that are 0.728\" thick.
The band is on tour until November 15, playing no less then 31 shows in 32 days. A Don Cab concert is a showcase of one difficult phrase after the other. And, it must be said, the band leader is entertaining to the audience with his useful - yet, sometimes filled with funny nonsense- announcements.
Watch the entire interview here that we did with Damon Che before the show. In six different videos you\'ll see and hear him talking about the new album, the band through the years, and yes, just as easily about apples as about music...