Story by Sophie Abeles. Photos by Matt Weinberger.
Named for the word’s mouthfeel rather than the world’s largest lizard, Komodos is a garage rock band that some may not have on their radars yet – but should. You might find them passing out concert flyers in Washington Square Park, canvassing via the lost art of in-person advertisement to invite passersby to their live shows. Needless to say, Komodos isn’t afraid to stand out, even if it means braving freezing temperatures to spread word of their arrival onto New York’s underground rock scene. What started as a pandemic pastime for the band’s lead singer Taran Dugal and his twin brother and drummer Kabir Dugal has evolved, with the additions of guitarist Hunter Boivin and bassist Ben Baumann, into an unflinching four-piece capable of becoming a formidable presence in the city’s garage rock soundscape.
“Lucky Says,” the band’s latest single, blends Taran’s resonant vocal line with an unfettered, gritty musicality. The song blossomed from an idea for a catchy main verse riff, etched out by Boivin, which became the nucleus around which the song was built. Contrary to the title’s upbeat connotation, Taran reveals that “Lucky Says” is about an uncertain future, the prospect of being let down, and a resigned self-awareness, themes that lend themselves to a more ominous narrative. The single was produced by Martin Bisi, whose discography includes noise rock legends Sonic Youth. Thanks to Bisi’s depth of knowledge and the band’s extensive prep time before landing in the producer’s coveted recording space, BC Studio, Boivin says capturing “Lucky Says” felt natural and refreshing. Taran explains that the band’s writing process is more than participatory – it’s all or nothing: “If the idea for a song doesn’t pass three other litmus tests, it won’t make it.”
Komodos agrees that while the current indie scene in New York is competitive, they’re mostly focused on continuing to develop a distinctive sound that sets them apart from the crowd. While juggling full-time careers, freelance gigs, and graduate studies, the band has kept their musical acumen sharp, sometimes rehearsing as much as three times a week to prepare for a show. “We know we’re all working toward the same thing. We’ve leveled up to the point where it feels like we can run through walls together,” says Baumann regarding the band’s growth as a collective. “The best part about this is just hanging out with these guys and playing music. I look forward to that every day,” adds Kabir.
Komodos has high hopes for the future, including securing a slot at Bowery Ballroom and touring across the U.S. Approaching the release of two more singles, Komodos plans to flesh out and record ideas for new songs, a testament to their belief in each other and what the band can become. Be sure to stream “Lucky Says,” out everywhere now.
The post No Holds Barred: Meet the New Kid, Komodos first appeared on Alt Citizen.