Flat Duo Jets
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Carrboro, North Carolina, United States |
| Headquarters | Carrboro, North Carolina and Athens, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Rock music albums, live performances |
Flat Duo Jets was a rock band originating from Carrboro, North Carolina and Athens, Georgia, known for their blend of rockabilly, punk blues, and psychobilly styles. This group notably influenced various bands throughout the 1990s and 2000s, such as The White Stripes. The band's lead musician, Dexter Romweber, is often credited as the pioneer behind the resurgence of the guitar-and-drums "power duo" format.
History
Established in 1983 in Carrboro, North Carolina, Flat Duo Jets consisted of Dexter Romweber on guitar and vocals, alongside Chris “Crow” Smith on drums, both aged seventeen at the time. Prior to forming this band, they had collaborated in a junior high ensemble called The Remains. Their initial setlist was heavily inspired by 1950s music and influences including The Cramps. The name Flat Duo Jets was inspired by Gene Vincent’s 1951 Gretsch Duo-Jet guitar, reflecting their sleek vintage style—although Romweber himself played a straightforward Silvertone 1448 guitar without using effects pedals. Smith commented that their two-member setup offered creative freedom and maintained dynamic performances.
Their rehearsals took place in a garage dubbed "The Moz," designed with a theme reminiscent of The Addams Family. This space was featured on their debut album cover and appeared in MTV’s The Cutting Edge in 1985.
Flat Duo Jets toured extensively throughout North Carolina and Athens, Georgia, gaining recognition for Romweber’s electrifying stage presence combined with their unique fusion of blues, jazz, surf, and rockabilly genres. They temporarily moved to Athens to take advantage of its thriving music community and were included in the documentary Athens, GA: Inside/Out, alongside prominent groups like R.E.M. and The B-52's.
In 1988, Tone Mayer joined as a stand-up bassist, completing the trio that recorded their initial release—a six-track cassette EP titled In Stereo on local Dolphin Records. During some live shows, Duke University student Derek Huston contributed tenor saxophone parts while Alan MacEwen added trumpet performances.
That year also saw the band sign a three-record contract with Dog Gone Records, an independent label co-owned by former R.E.M. manager Jefferson Holt. Their self-titled album released in 1990 was recorded live onto two tracks in a garage setting with producer Mark Bingham. It mainly featured covers from the 1950s and 1960s alongside two original compositions. Although its release faced delays due to label complications, critics praised its raw intensity.
By 1990, Romweber dedicated himself entirely to the band's progress, avoiding distractions. Flat Duo Jets embarked on a three-month United States tour supporting The Cramps and made a memorable appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. That same year saw Mayer’s departure from the group.
Their sophomore album, Go Go Harlem Baby (1991), recorded at Easley McCain Recording in Memphis with producer Jim Dickinson, demonstrated further artistic development. The band toured alongside The Reverend Horton Heat in both 1994 and 1998; starting in 1995 drummer Crash LaResh occasionally substituted for Crow. A European tour was undertaken in 1996.
During the late 1990s, Flat Duo Jets signed with Outpost Records, an imprint under Geffen. With encouragement from R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Scott Litt co-produced their 1998 album Lucky Eye together with Chris Stamey. This record presented a more refined sound featuring string sections and guest horn musicians Tom Maxwell and Ken Mosher from Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Despite receiving critical acclaim, disappointing sales led to the band’s breakup shortly after releasing Lucky Eye. Romweber cited financial disagreements as a major cause; additional internal conflicts and substance abuse issues also played roles. The group officially disbanded in 1999.
The documentary Dexter Romweber: Two Headed Cow (2006) showcased archival footage of Flat Duo Jets from the mid-1980s era. A live soundtrack accompanied this film’s release in 2008. Jack White reissued Go Go Harlem Baby through Third Man Records in 2011. That same year Daniel 13 released Wild Wild Love, a comprehensive box set compiling early albums, live recordings including their Letterman performance and Athens documentary clips, as well as outtakes and an extensive booklet chronicling the band’s legacy.
Post-breakup projects
Following the disbandment of Flat Duo Jets, Mayer became a member of The Chicken Wire Gang, alternatively known as Good Old Chicken Wire Gang Boys Band Brothers. In 2006, Smith debuted as a solo artist with his album Songs for Emeline.
Romweber embarked on a solo path, touring alongside artists such as Cat Power, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Neko Case. LaResh committed to drumming full-time for Dexter between 1999 and 2005. In 2006, Romweber collaborated with his sister Sarah to establish the Dex Romweber Duo, a partnership that involved both performing and recording until 2013.
Reunion
Romweber and LaResh reunited in 2016 under the name Dex & Crash Revival to release Our Night at the Great Jones, an album recorded live during Blackbeard's Lost Weekender event in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This record included tracks from Romweber’s prior endeavors as well as Flat Duo Jets material.
That same year, Spanish promoters arranged shows billing Dex & Crash as Flat Duo Jets. Romweber consented to this reunion being "in name only." While on tour, they performed "Dark Night" for The Furious Sessions at Sol de Sants Studios in Barcelona.
In 2017, Romweber accepted an opportunity to perform with The Reverend Horton Heat on the condition that he use the Flat Duo Jets name. He also scheduled additional concerts under the band’s name that year, appearing as the sole original member.
Activism
In April 1986, Flat Duo Jets took part in a benefit concert supporting the North Carolina Radioactive Waste Watch initiative.
Influence
According to music critic David Menconi, Flat Duo Jets have consistently been most admired by fellow musicians.
Jack White, lead singer of The White Stripes, has repeatedly acknowledged Flat Duo Jets as a significant influence. The White Stripes emulated their two-person lineup and adopted similar visual themes such as monochrome styling, inexpensive plastic guitars, and uncomplicated songwriting. In the documentary It Might Get Loud, White performs their rendition of "Froggie Went A-Courtin'" and credits the band's influence. As a teenager, he owned their complete discography and frequently covered songs like "You Belong to Me" during live shows. White referred to Romweber as "one of the best-kept secrets of the rock and roll underground."
In 2013, the Dex Romweber Duo served as an opening act for Jack White in Boston. White collaborated with Romweber and Sara Romweber on a 7” record produced at his Third Man Records studio in Nashville, commending Romweber’s distinctive guitar sound.
Flat Duo Jets have also impacted artists such as The Black Keys, Neko Case, and Exene Cervenka from X. Cervenka praised Romweber’s artistry as "classic, timeless, transcendent, pure," emphasizing his exceptional talent. Chan Marshall of Cat Power selected a Sears Silvertone guitar influenced by Romweber’s use of that model.
Members
- Dexter Romweber, guitar
- Chris "Crow" Smith, drums
- Griz "Tone" Mayer, stand-up bass (1988–1990)
- Crash LaFresh, drums (1995–1999)
- Eric Peterson, electric guitar (studio and touring, 1998)
- Aaron Oliva, stand-up bass (touring, 1998)
EPs and 7-inch records
- In Stereo (1985, Dolphin Records)
- "I'll Have A Merry Christmas Without You"/ "Caravan" 7" (1994, Norton Records)
- Dexmas 7" (1996, Permanent Records)
- Jet Set 7" (1996, Norton Records)
LP
- Flat Duo Jets (1990, Dog Gone Records)
- Go Go Harlem Baby (1991, Sky Records; reissued 2011, Third Man Records)
- Safari (1993, Norton Records)
- White Trees (1993, Sky Records)
- Introducing the Flat Duo Jets (1995, Norton Records)
- Red Tango (1996, Norton Records)
- Wild Blue Yonder (1998, Norton Records)
- Lucky Eye (1998, Outpost Records)
- Two Headed Cow (2008, Chicken Ranch Records)
- Wild Wild Love (2017, Daniel 13)
Collaborations with other musicians
- Gene Maltais & the Flat Duo Jets – "Voodoo Woman"/"Little Girl" (1994, Norton Records)
Television appearances
- I.R.S. Records Presents The Cutting Edge (1985, MTV)
- 120 Minutes (1990, MTV)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1990, NBC)
Filmography
- Athens, GA: Inside Out (1986)
- Dexter Romweber: Two Headed Cow (2006)
- It Might Get Loud (2009)
Video releases
- "Wild, Wild Lover" (1990)
- "Radioactive Man" (1993)
- "Dark Night" (2016, The Furious Sessions)