Speed Kills

Artist Bio / Album Info

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GroundScore was formed in Washington DC by Zach Bellas (Guitar, Vox), Nick Graves (Bass), and Chase Lapp (Drums) in late 2008. Mixing a variety of rock stylings with strong punk rock, reggae and blues roots the band instantly gained notoriety by making music with a commitment to simple and honest songwriting. Fusing powerful reggae rhythms and distortion-laden guitars, laid over driving dynamic drum styles, GroundScore draws fans into an infectious dance vibe that contrasts nicely with intensely introspective lyrics.

The band released their first record 'Healthy Children' through their label SMB Records in December 2009. 'Healthy Children' is 12 tracks that stream together seamlessly. The album was recorded at the Magpie Cage Studio in Baltimore, MD with the legendary J. Robbins and it powerfully showcases the band’s versatility and myriad musical influences.  Following in the footsteps of the Godfathers of their genre, GroundScore's debut record touches a variety of styles and emotions from laid-back reggae vibes, to psychedelic jams, furious punk rage and everything in between - sometimes all in the same song. Often described as Sublime meets the Red Hot Chili Peppers or UB40 meets Minor Threat or the Bad Brains, GroundScore keeps things interesting.

In 2011 the band returned to the Magpie Cage Studios to record with J. Robbins once again to create GroundScore’s second full length album ‘Speed Kills’ which they released in May 2011 in Washington DC.  ‘Speed Kills’ contains 16 original tracks from the band as well as a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Lay Lady Lay’ and stays true to the sound that was built on the first record ‘Healthy Children’.  This album, however, featured guest appearances from great musicians from across the Mid-Atlantic region including: Jean-Paul Gaster from Clutch on additional drums and percussion, Gordon Withers from Office of Future Plans on Cello, The Murphy’s Kids horn section, Frank Chiavaro from Brickfoot, J. Robbins from Jawbox and Government Issue and others.  Also, the drums and bass for nearly every track on the record were recorded to a 1980’s 2” tape machine.  An old school technique that gives the bottom end of the record a lot more warmth and results in a much more together and integrated sound.

Since the release of the record the band has continued to tour endlessly and have amassed a strong following across The United States, Europe, Canada, South America and Asia.