Comateens

Comateens were formed in New York in 1978 by Ramona Jan (guitar), Nicholas Dembling (aka Nick O. Teen, Nick North, Nick West) (bass, vocals), and a drum machine. After Lyn Byrd (synthesizer, vocals), Oliver North (guitar, vocals) and Harry Viderci (drums) joined the group, they recorded their first single, The Ramona Jan-penned songs Danger Zone and Elizabeth's Lover (not released at the time) and Diana Dominicci's Cool Chick. Jan left the band in 1980 and Comateens recorded their self-titled debut LP in 1981. The album became a cult favorite among college hipsters, especially the band's remake of “The Munsters Theme". However, the Comateens actually gained a larger following in Europe, wherein the group's quirks – such as the necrophilia tale “Cool Chick" – were more easily digested. The band released two more LPs – 1983's Pictures on a String and 1984's Deal With It – and then split up in 1985. Byrd and Nicholas West (Dembling) eventually reunited in West and Byrd.