Carnival Art was an American alternative rock band. Formed in Los Angeles in 1989, the band initially consisted of Michael Petak (lead vocals, guitar), Shane Paul Rhody (guitar, vocals), Ed Dobrydnio (bass guitar), and Keith Fallis (drums, vocals). They released their debut album Like Nobodys Business through their own label Spineless Voodoo Records the same year, and after this album, Rhody left the band, with Dobrydnio replacing him on lead guitar and Brian Bell joining to assume bass duties.
In 1990, the band released a promotional EP titled Dig, followed a year later by their second album Thrumdrone, released on Situation Two Records. Three more EPs titled Blue Food & Black Sparks, Wrestling Swamis Vs. Mr. Blue Veins, and Holy Smokes were also released from 1991 to 1992. The band was moved to Beggars Banquet Records after Situation Two's dissolution in 1992, and released their third and final studio album Welcome To Vas Llegas the same year. The band also recorded a cover of "Cold Ethyl" for an Alice Cooper tribute album titled Welcome to Our Nightmare: A Tribute to Alice Cooper, released in 1993 on Triple X Records.
Their lack of commercial success led to them being dropped from Beggars Banquet, and after an unsuccessful attempt at landing another deal under the name Jerkwater, the group disbanded. Following the break-up, Bell formed a duo with his then-girlfriend Susan Fox called the Space Twins, and became the rhythm guitarist for Weezer. Petak recorded a solo album titled Pretty Little Lonely, and Fallis became the drummer for Big Drill Car and Shufflepuck. Dobrydnio also joined Shufflepuck under the name Ed Alexander, and found work as A&R for Interscope and Vanguard Records. The song "Mr. Blue Veins", along with its music video, was featured in the episode "Water Safety" from the MTV animated series Beavis and Butt-head.
Band members Michael Petak – lead vocals, guitar (1989-1993) Shane Paul Rhody – lead guitar, vocals (1989-1990) Ed Dobrydnio – bass guitar (1989-1990), lead guitar, vocals (1990-1993) Brian Bell – bass guitar, vocals (1990-1993) Keith Fallis – drums, vocals (1989-1993)
Discography
Studio albums Title Details Like Nobodys BusinessReleased: 1989 Formats: LP Label: Spineless Voodoo ThrumdroneReleased: August 13, 1991 Formats: CD, LP, cassette Label: Situation Two Welcome To Vas LlegasReleased: October 9, 1992 Formats: CD, LP, cassette Label: Beggars Banquet
EPs Title Details DigReleased: 1990 Formats: LP Label: Spineless Voodoo Blue Food & Black SparksReleased: 1991 Formats: CD, LP Label: Situation Two Wrestling Swamis Vs. Mr. Blue VeinsReleased: 1991 Formats: CD, LP Label: Situation Two Holy SmokesReleased: 1992 Formats: CD, LP Label: Situation Two
Appearances Title Year Album "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" 1991 A Lump of Coal "Cold Ethyl" 1993 Welcome to Our Nightmare: A Tribute to Alice Cooper
Music videos Title Year Album "Mr. Blue Veins" 1991 Thrumdrone "Sucker Punch" 1992 Welcome To Vas Llegas
References
External links Carnival Art discography at Discogs