Effective period / Period of releases: 1981 - 2019

Members: Ramona Janquitto, Nicholas Dembling, Oliver Dembling, Rolly, Lyn Billman, Harry Viderci

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.