In early 2008, The Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band officially released their first ep, Danse Macabre. Since then they have been busy whipping audiences into frenzies with their crazed gypsy/east European sounds performing at Prana, Jambalaya, Parihaka, AK09, Cross St Carnival, Fleetwaters and Splore Festivals as well as undertaking three highly successful national tours which saw them playing to packed houses all over the country. During this time, the Benkas have also supported many popular NZ acts including The Hot Grits, The Mamaku Project, An Emerald City and The Jews Brothers and in March 2008 they had the honour of supporting international act Beirut in Auckland.

Polkapocalypse features four original songs, four traditionals and 2 covers by the Tiger Lillies and Dead Kennedys. Three of the tracks were recorded live by acclaimed engineer Andre Upston for Radio New Zealand at the Monkey Magic launch at Galatos, Auckland in May 2008. The other seven were recorded by Jamie Newman aka Cinema 90 at a remote studio north of Auckland over three hot steamy days in March this year.

Following release shows in Wellington and Auckland, the band are spreading the chaos further, heading Europe-wards to be based in Berlin from the end of May onwards… World Domination is just around the corner… The brothels shall be the parliament, the Graveyards the Houses of Commons…. a new era is upon us…

Review for Polkapocalypse

With a sound based around accordion, clarinet, electric guitar, and lashings of laughs (they do a beautifully inebriated cover of the Dead Kennedy’s Too Drunk To F***), Polkapocalypse is theatrical, rebellious and fun party music.
NZ Herald

Imagine Spike Milligan jamming with gypsies over a crate of vodka. That’s a vague approximation that really does the manic appeal of Polkapocalypse a disservice. The Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band (from Auckland) marry whimsical traditional eastern European arrangements with the type of macabre, obscure and amusing lyricism that will either impress or repulse. Scare your neighbours, frighten the kids, and petrify the pets with a high-volume dose of Polkapocalypse. Bizarre Balkan beats, ruthless Russky rhythms and a Dead Kennedys cover.
Otago Daily Times