Tonight I’m gonna introduce you to the sound of Minnesota 2Tone ska band Umbrella Bed. Despite the fact that they were created right in the peak of the thirdwave wave ska UB decided to turn into the genre’s easy-going 2Tone pop roots. Since 1995 they released five LPs, infusing swing, punk, reggae, Latin , new wave and good old school Jamaican sounds.
“Gone Away” from their new EP “REFILL” recorded in indie anti-racist label Mad Butcher Records is a sad but sensual song with rich melody.
Another highlight is the vivid “Two Tone Monster” – with heavier drums and slight rockabilly feel in it.
UB established themselves quickly in its home base of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and were voted as one of the “Best New Bands” in 1997 by The City Pages. Known for its energetic, manic live shows an quality sound the skasters toured Germany, Serbia, Austria, The Czech Republic and Hungary and opened for bands like The Skatalities, The Specials, English Beat, The Toasters, Mustard Plug, King Chango, MU330, Mad Sin, The Selector and many others.
The band’s primary line up has rotated some over the years but has remained largely intact. Lead vocalist Hellrocket, drummer Dutch Buddha, trombonist Al Teagarden and French Horn player (!) Eva Washburn have been around since the very beginning, later joined by trombonist O’Joya and saxophonist DJ WayCool. Recent additions Franknos on bass and Rude Boy Bandit on guitar have added a new youth movement to a band that has been around for over a decade.
Check out the official live video for “I wish that would stop” the first track from “REFILL” to get an idea how much fun these guys are.
More about Umbrella Bed on www.umbrellabed.com and their Facebook. “REFILL” is available for free streaming on the band’s Bandcamp page.
