Dramarama, a band known for blending hard rock wallop, alternative rock smarts, power pop songcraft, and punk rock urgency, experienced waves of anticipation for a major commercial breakthrough during their 11-year journey. Despite the potent following they cultivated in New Jersey and the West Coast, the anticipated breakthrough never materialized. Notably, their nearly hit song, “Anything Anything (I’ll Give You),” gained recognition on L.A.’s KROQ-FM as the most requested track in the station’s history. Founded in Wayne, NJ, in 1983 by vocalist and songwriter John Easdale, Dramarama initially self-released a single and a five-song EP. Eventually, a French label commissioned a full-length album that incorporated material from their earlier releases. The release of “Cinema Verite” in 1985, which featured the breakout track “Anything Anything,” marked a turning point as the song garnered airplay after Chameleon Records picked up the album for distribution in the U.S. Transitioning to California for their second LP, “Box Office Bomb,” brought critical acclaim but not the expected boost in sales.
During the recording of their fourth studio album, “Vinyl,” in 1991, Dramarama faced financial hurdles when their label, Chameleon Records, declared bankruptcy. Despite the setback, a major-label deal finally materialized with Elektra. However, the changing landscape influenced by bands like Nirvana in 1991 did not favor Dramarama’s distinctive sound, which, although adventurous, was not aligned with the popular grunge genre. The release of their 1993 album, “Hi-Fi Sci-Fi,” did not resonate beyond their dedicated fan base. Following a farewell performance at Asbury Park’s the Stone Pony in 1994, Dramarama disbanded, with John Easdale venturing into a solo career four years later. The band’s appearance on VH1’s Bands Reunited in 2004 sparked a reunion effort, resulting in the release of “Everybody Dies” in 2005, except for bassist Chris Carter who did not participate in the reunion.