Love in the Time of Scurvy VBR5002

IN 2000 Mike and Fadi spun off to form the phenominal Riverboat Gamblers.  If you dig them you’ll dig this record!

From Denton , Texas comes the mighty Kid Chaos. Signed to DC's Vile Beat Records, Kid Chaos is a horn driven, melodic punk band. Their debut album, Love in the Time of Scurvy, is a testament to the DIY spirit and pop sensibility. Sporting an acrobatic rhythm section, heroic guitars and snide vocals, Kid Chaos is an over-the-top blast of rock recklessness.

Formed from the remnants of Texas punk unit The Skeleton Kids, Kid Chaos endured several line-up changes before settling on the guitar-drums-horns configuration that cut Love in the Time of Scurvy. "We agreed on having 'horns but no ska' just to see what would happen," says Weibe. Fueled by the music of Rocket From The Crypt, Dillinger 4 and "the more rocking Weezer stuff," Kid Chaos set about perfecting their live show and writing the rapid fire spurts of punk energy that make them such an entertaining and intense act.

Kid Chaos tends to stray from political and social commentary and prefers injecting their tunes with humor and wit. "The focus is on rocking out. No preachin'. The songs tend to steer away from the typical 'I love this girl that works at the mall'" says Weibe. " But people come for a show, not a sermon." But prior to the release of their first record, the band was faced to deal with the very real destructive power of heroin in very personal ways. Drummer Cory died of an overdose after using the drug only once. "This album is for him, but it's not to be marketed that way. We're not Puff Daddy and were not gonna mention Notorious B.I.G every 10 minutes. We just thought that the picture and the hidden track would be nice and that anyone who knew Cory or saw us back in the day would appreciate it. We're not here to preach and I would never talk about it between songs or anything, but I have told people that Corey was not an addict, and fucking around with that shit can have horrible repercussions."

But as the exuberant Love in the Time Of Scurvy proves, Kid Chaos is celebrating the life of their friend, not dwelling on his loss. From the empassioned "Radio Revolution" to the sardonic "Jerry Seinfeld" to the chilling eulogy "MVP," Kid Chaos delivers the goods with passion and sincerity… and an intensity few bands are capable of these days.

Second Hand BVR1001

Beatville Records is proud to bring you Second Hand, the debut release from Eastern Standard Time, Washington , DC 's premier Ska outfit. Eastern Standard Time remains true to the roots of Ska music by playing a style much like the original recipe for Ska used in the sixties: jazz melodies and soulful singing overlay bubbling island beats. In choosing this traditional sound, they bring sophistication to the music without taking away from Ska's intense energy.

Recently featured on an MTV segment about Ska music, and with several national as well as international tours behind them, Eastern Standard Time has come to the forefront of the Ska scene. Eastern Standard Time's seasoned performers have previously played in bands with such artists as The Pietasters, The Skunks, The Checkered Cabs, and The Downbeat Rulers. Eastern Standard Time has shared the stage with most of the greats in Ska music such as The Skatalites, Laurel Aitken, Bad Manners, Hep Cat, and The Specials.

Second Hand also features a guest appearance by DC Go Go legend Chuck Brown in addition to guest appearances by Coolie Ranks of the Pilfers, Sledge from the Toasters and percussionist Sam Turner of James Brown and Lionel Hampton fame. Eastern Standard Time is guaranteed to get your feet moving!

The New Authentic BVR1009

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia The Robustos deliver the goods on their second record and Beatville debut, The New Authentic. Traditional ska that explores reggae, soul and blues, The Robustos are fronted by the mighty Tanya Abernathy and sport a brilliant rhythm section and rock solid horns. This record hit the streets with a flood of critical acclaim and the instant respect of the ska community. Brilliant to the last.

Intercomfort VBR5004

From the depths of Old Street London, come Mint400. A band of undeniable power and depth, Mint400's Vile Beat debut is a vast sonic sprawl, a musical space where the power of metal meets punk's abandon. Aggressive and grinding, Intercomfort feeds off the feverish writings of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and unashamedly cashes in on his depraved and dangerous spirit. Capable of jarring shifts from moments of atmospheric beauty to abusive alt-metal riffing, Intercomfort is -in every way- a tour de force.

Dragon Lady VBR/BVR5004

Lucy Loves Schroeder is a pop/punk band from Dallas, Texas. Citing influences from such pop groups as the Muffs and That Dog as well as punk groups like the Ramones, Lucy Loves Schroeder blends the tempos and attitude of punk with the melodies and sensibilities of pop. Comprised of Sara Radle (guitars and vocals), Andrew Binovi (bass and vocals), and Rob Schumacher (drums and percussion), the band has created a strong local following in the Dallas area. In 2002, the Fort Worth Weekly nominated the band for Best New Band and awarded Radle with Best Female Vocal. At the same time, Radle took home honors for Best Female Vocal by the Dallas Observer.

PRESS QUOTES:

“The cd grabs listeners from the get-go with the high energy "Some Other Way" (it's better than a cup full of sugar!). In fact most of the band's music falls into the "bouncing off the walls" type of energy...and this is a great thing because you can't help but feel anything but good when you listen to this release.” Girl Punk.Net

“Lucy Loves Schroeder's full-length is packed full of charged, explosive guitar-rock that ignites from the first strike of the guitar through the hard hitting rhythms that each song boasts. Bouncy and quite poppy, the songs make you want to move, while the hooks and sugarcoated choruses have you singing along in no time at all.”  In Music We Trust

 

Lucy Is A Band VBR/BVR5006

“Lucy is a Band is bouncy, full of energy, and, most of all, it's fun. In a world full of musicians who often take themselves too seriously, a band like Lucy Loves Schroeder is exactly what we need every now and then.”  Delusions of Adequacy

Split Personality VBR5009

Split Personality features two of the mid-Atlantic’s hottest punk acts, the Ramones-core Gamma Rays and the rockin’ all-girl High School Hellcats. Both bands have toured the country extensively and continue to do so, developing a strong fan base. High School Hellcats, formed in the summer of 1999, already have two releases under their belts and will perform at this years’ Heavy Rebel Weekender, touring with the Turbo AC’s and Sixer. Gamma Rays are a great pop-punk-rock-n-roll band, featuring former members of Baltimore band The Heroin Addicts & chugging along with with bubbly bass, fast guitar, pounding drums and sweet harmonies. 

Love in the Time of Scurvy VBR5002

Freetown is a London based band playing a potent mix of reggae and ska flavored by the band members' extensive musical backgrounds. Drummer Jah Bunny spent his early years at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica. His impressive roster of musical credits include playing with Paul McCartney on the Reggaebility record, as well as working with Matambi, Franki Paul, Sugar Minott, Lynton Kwesi Johnson and Rico Rodriguez. Freetown multi-instrumentalist Tony Gethin played in many London based reggae bands, including the Lion's Den, which included Jah Bunny. Vocalist/Guitarist Steve Harris played reggae and ska music back at college, and eventually formed a band called The Regulators. Harris also worked with Laurel Aitken on the album The Story So Far, and subsequently, Freetown has performed as Laurel Aitken's backing band on tours to Ireland, Germany, Spain, Holland, France and Scandinavia. Freetown's rootsy style is headed straight for fans who like their reggae and ska served up old-school - with soul, style and skill.

Dr. Earnest's Nerve Steadying Spirits BVR1010

Steady Earnest is an all-star band from Boston, formed in 1992 by Dan Vitale of Bim Skala Bim. They play an exciting and inspiring mix of, well, judging by the enthusiasm and seamless execution of the tunes on this record, music that they love and grew up with. We're talking about a tasty fusion of ska, reggae, rocksteady, soul and punk which draws as much from the Clash and Marvin Gaye as it does from the Skatalites. What is also immediately noticeable and refreshing, is that Dr. Earnest is an all-star album without an "all-star" feel to it. Perhaps what is most instantly noticeable is how well these musicians click; this record isn't the sound of huge starring moments with members who have something to prove over each other. Steady Earnest is the sound of seven talented musicians playing music with energy, fun and a great sound.

List of Things BVR1016

Originally know as Antic, Polaris Mine formed in the fall of 1998 in New England. Joel (guitar, vocals) and Jon (drums) were recent veterans of defunct Connecticut pop-punk legend Not My Ritchie; Jordyn (bass, vocals)had just returned to the east coast from a few years in California. The band began playing out in January of 1999 and made an immediate impact by bringing an edgy and innovative aesthetic to the Connecticut music scene. Playing mostly pop-punk and emo shows, the band gained fans by deviating from the well-traveled paths of their peers. In March of 1999 the band went into the studio and recorded a five-song demo, Pageant Finalists. In the year since, the demo has found its way across the U.S. and back, gaining the band fans and critical acclaim from coast to coast. The band joined the Beatville Records roster in the fall of 1999 and entered the studio that December to record their first full-length, "Lists of Things." The band's songs offer a jagged patchwork of the post-punk world, integrating straightforward rock 'n' roll, airy atmospheric breaks, indie-rock self-consciousness, and the intensity and anxiety of hardcore. These elements, coupled with their uncompromising drive to experiment culminate in a daring and intelligent sound that toys with the tropes of pop music while suggesting new alternatives for song structure and performance. Musical comparisons, while dubious, have been amusingly eclectic: from 80s indie to metal to experimental rock to shoe-gazing lullabies, Polaris Mine has got it covered.

Polaris Mine BVR1020

Self titled

Up In Downtown BVR1005

Beatville Records is proud to bring you the debut full-length release from Dallas, Texas' 7-piece Swing/Ska (with a little core) outfit. Formed in early 1997 as a reason to drink, The Graduates released a five song EP by June of the same year, quickly garnering much regional acclaim. The Graduates have shared the stage with the likes of the Skatalites, The Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Spring Healed Jack, Mephiskapheles, Less Than Jake, The Blue Meanies, Mike Watt and The Toasters. Recently the band reentered the studio to record Up in Downtown for Washington DC's Beatville Records (Hear me now, believe me later: This record kicks some serious ass!)

A New Beginning BVR1003

Gangsters' story began late 1991 in the depths of Kilbarrick, North Dublin when three bored desperados decided to fight the monotony of the dole queue by setting up a band and thus enabling them to express their enthusiasm and passion for the most positive form of music - SKA! Influenced by second generation ska greats The Specials, and fellow 2-toners Madness and The English Beat, Gangsters had successfully hoisted the ska flag in Ireland for several years. They were gaining a lot of national radio & TV coverage as well as attracting other worthwhile media attention and had just released a few tracks on a compilation released by the Scottish ST label when suddenly... little was heard from these skankin' desperados! For various reasons the band split, bad timing really as they'd literally just qualified for the final of the "Guinness National Battle of the Bands" competition. Reunited by Beatville records, Gangsters have returned, better than ever, playing their blend of Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae with lyrics and sounds befitting the nineties while still incorporating that driving rhythm and dance appeal of the original Jamaican creation. And with ska music breaking through in the U.S. and elsewhere Ireland's lone ska representatives are unleashing themselves back upon the unsuspecting public for another shot at world domination.

Straight From Yard BVR1006

Authentic in both sound and origin, Yard Beat's Straight from Yard is a modern and bona fide ska masterpiece. Formed by Dwight Pinkney and Carl Ayton of the legendary Jamaican backing band Roots Radics, they have been the backing band of choice for the likes of Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Barrington Levy, and Prince Far I. Adding to the already potent ska mix is Jamaican trumpet extraordinaire Bobby Ellis, known for his work with the late, great legends Tommy McCook and Bob Marley. Yard Beat is a group of all-stars who have been living Jamaican music since the '60s, as illustrated by tracks like "Wild Honey, Bad Attitude," and a wicked cover of the classic song "Push Wood." These cats are all about killer Jamaican ska, and that makes Straight From Yard a must have for any serious ska fan!

 

PRESS QUOTES:

“A surprising lineup of musical intensity…the birth of a great new ska band…”

-The Beat

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“Heavy on the instruments monster fat organ throughout.  This one will find heavy rotation with ska DJs.”