Biography
2000-2003
Brutal Polka (BP) is an Israeli punk-rock band recognized for its unique fusion of traditional and world music styles, all anchored by a foundation of punk rock, hardcore, and metal. From 2000 to 2003, BP performed extensively across Israel, gracing the stages of clubs, pubs, and squats, while distributing a black-and-white DIY demo CD that would later evolve into their debut studio album. The band garnered attention through promotions on several prominent Israeli rock radio stations and in music magazines.
2004
In 2004, BP released its first full-length studio album, A Tribute to Mainstream, featuring 12 tracks sung in English. The album showcases a blend of intricate melodies, humorous lyrics, and unconventional harmonies, creating a cohesive and immersive musical experience. The band's sound ranges from aggressive punk rock to country music, gypsy guitar, and piano ballads, all wrapped in an infectious rock and roll style, establishing BP as a distinctive presence in the music scene.
2005
During the summer of 2005, BP, operating without an official label or booking agency, successfully organized their own European tour. In June and July, they performed 25 shows across seven countries, selling hundreds of CDs and merchandise. Notable performances included shows with Walls of Jericho and Terror in Germany, as well as Bombshell Rocks and Use to Abuse in Austria.
2006
In the summer of 2006, BP embarked on their second European tour, visiting countries such as Israel, Germany, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. This tour, comprising over 20 shows, proved to be highly successful, with a standout performance at the 5th Punk Island festival in Slovakia, where they co-headlined alongside The Toy Dolls. Additionally, BP released two new demo tracks, including a cover of "Walk Like an Egyptian."
2007
The summer of 2007 marked BP's third European tour, during which they sold out merchandise across 33 shows in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, and England. They shared stages with prominent bands such as the Dwarves, the Casualties, the Toy Dolls, Municipal Waste, and Madball. BP also signed non-exclusively with European booking agencies Roadshock Booking and 4warded Music. They released a new demo track titled "I'm Not Gay… I'm Just Bi-Curious." In the winter of 2007-08, BP participated in their first winter holiday tour, which included 14 shows in Germany and Austria, showcasing new songs such as a manic cover of "Jingle Bells" and introducing a new line of merchandise. Additionally, the band released their first DIY live footage video clip for "I'm Not Gay… I'm Just Bi-Curious."
2008
The summer of 2008 was particularly productive for BP, as they recorded their second album, The Gargantuan Return of the Frogz and the Holy Cocks, and undertook a 40-show tour of Europe. This period also saw the filming and release of their first professional music video and the launch of their inaugural 10-inch vinyl titled Politics Shmolitics. Their summer tour featured performances at festivals such as Mach1, Punk am Ring, and Force Attack, alongside bands like Sick of it All, The Real McKenzies, Comeback Kid, and The Unseen. The band successfully captured the essence of the old-school hardcore sound while recording the energetic 10-inch vinyl, Politics Shmolitics, which received positive reviews, including a 9/10 rating from German OX Magazine. Much of the summer was dedicated to completing their second studio album, which is set to release through Roadshock Records Berlin in August 2009.
Future: 2009-
In 2009, BP is set to undertake their second German Christmas tour, featuring 10 shows, as well as a 14-show European summer tour to promote the release of The Gargantuan Return of the Frogz and the Holy Cocks. The band is also scheduled to perform at Popkomm 2009 in Berlin and is planning a tour of the USA in the summer of 2010. For further information, music, videos, and merchandise, visit the official website at www.BrutalPolka.com or their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/brutalpolka2. Additionally, their YouTube page can be found at www.youtube.com/brutalpolka.