photo by Shannon Claire

The din of a crowd, the clinks of beer steins and the steady advance of a marching band casually introduce Bolzen Beer Band's debut album.

And then there is the rap song, all six minutes of it. This is Sex Drugs Polka, a collection of perverted traditions. Yes, the blistering tempos of polka are represented alongside Dave Socha's accordion and Brian Brazier's tuba, and a song such as "Weed and Beer" sounds like it would get my grandpa on the dance floor. But I would hope his hearing aids' batteries die before he steps too close to understand the words.

"I think the album is at the very limits of our musicianship, jumping between and combining genres with a complete disregard for modern musical labels," Socha says. "It is also one of the most subversive albums ever produced in terms of both content and aesthetic."

These Lincolnites' lederhosen have left an imprint upon Husker football tailgates, the Czech festival in Wilber, Neb., and South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. This Saturday, Bolzen Beer Band releases Sex Drugs Polka, a party to take home with you, this Saturday at Duffy's Tavern. The Killigans open the free concert at 9 p.m.

credits:

recorded in November 2012 at Dream Pro Recording

Dave Socha: accordion, drums, percussion and main vocals
Brian Brazier: tuba, trumpet, euphonium and backing vocals
Alexi Anest: guitar

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Michael Todd is Hear Nebraska's managing editor. He wonders why they're called polka dots. Reach Michael at michaeltodd@hearnebraska.org.