Live Review: Jeronimo EP Release Show @ Maaxan 7, Beer Sheva [25th August, 2016]

Lion's Den
Jeronimo
Elephant Hive
MAGA

Continuing with trying to venture outside of Tel Aviv for shows, I got a lift down to Maaxan 7 in Beer Sheva (South Israel) to celebrate the release of their 2nd EP by post-punk rock trio, Jeronimo. Two classic rock trios, MAGA and Lion's Den, and experimental rock duo, Elephant Hive, have also come along for the fun on the evening that also happens to be Lailah Lavan (White Night - not a racist thing) in Beer Sheva.

MAGA

Starting off the proceedings as soon as they arrive, Tel Aviv's MAGA play through their set of classic style blues-rock. Taking in elements of late 60s/early 70s bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cream and even Black Sabbath, the trio play catchy numbers with all the energy of their predecessors. With some songs being more uptempo and simply structured (e.g. Did You?) and others introducing more groove and experimental tangents (e.g. Again), they have a varied enough repertoire to be considered entertaining. It's incredibly difficult in this day and age to play this style of music and come off as original, so there are no real surprises here. However, they are convincing enough, both in look and in sound, to make one believe that you are somehow watching an actual 70s band.

3.5/5

Elephant Hive

This is either my second or third time seeing Elephant Hive. I can't remember, although I've definitely already reviewed them. Having set themselves up with their own drum kit in a position more central of the venue, the Tel Aviv duo still play short blasts of experimental, jazz-tinged rock but with some different songs to their previous set(s). They seem to have added pieces with more structure. The drumming and guitar riffs sit perfectly well together and everything sounds more controlled and song-like. One song in particular is reminiscent of Primus' Shake Hands With Beef. It has a similar low-tuned, funky groove and even the same quirkiness. They certainly have impressed me more this time than before but I still think they currently cater to a pretty niche demographic.

3/5

Jeronimo

Although it's meant to be their night, Jeronimo hit the stage as the penultimate act. As the band plays a few tracks from their first EP (the ORANGE one), all 3 tracks from their latest EP (the PURPLE one) and some as yet unreleased tracks, it's obvious to hear how their sound has matured.

They are a band that states to have a Fugazi influence but it's the side of Fugazi that I, personally, don't quite connect with. I like the Fugazi with funky bass lines and angry punky vocals, whereas Jeronimo take more from the intense, progressive side of Fugazi's post-punk sound. It is still enjoyable and really showcases their musicianship. Bassist Auriya provides us is with some groovy yet subtle licks on tracks like Lions Suspended in Air and their self titled track. It is drummer Itamar who especially shines through; his overall steady timekeeping and ridiculously tight drum fills are impressive and a joy to watch. Guitarist and co-vocalist Yonatan also gives a great performance, even going amongst the crowd during solos. 

The band do have a few good riffs and some fun moments but, sadly, I think it just goes over my head a little. They are doing very well for themselves and working incredibly hard and that deserves great respect.

3.5/5

Lion's Den

Finishing off the night is hairy Tel Aviv trio, Lion's Den; one of those few bands whose look reflects their name. The band tends to be closely linked to the previous mentioned MAGA but their styles are actually quite different.

Although there is a hint of similar classic rock and blues influences, the likes of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden come to mind as I watch and listen to them. There's a mixture of laid back and funky grooves met with some low, grunge-like outbursts. Along with the bare chests and long curly hair, I can't help but think that these guys would've been great on the Seattle scene.

The chemistry between guitarist/lead singer Yoni and bassist Yoav is strong however drummer, Itay, is not always quite on the same wavelength. He still does a great job, playing with full energy. I'm definitely glad I've finally seen Lion's Den, as their mix of Seattle grunge and classic blues rock has pleasantly surprised me.

3.5/5

Live Review: Sugar Hill Gang / Lucille Crew @ The Barby, Tel Aviv [30th August 2016]

Once every so often, you will hear a name of an artist or band that you never expected would come to Israel. Sometimes it's because of the band being quite underground and for a niche market. Other times it's because the artist is so big and legendary that you don't imagine them coming to such a small country. And then there are those who are not only big and legendary...but that you didn't even know were still performing!
 As a part of their first ever European tour in over a decade, tonight sees the arrival of hip hop legends, The Sugar Hill Gang, to Tel Aviv's Barby club. Surprised by many people asking me "who?" when I mentioned I was going to see them, all it took was quoting the first line of Rapper's Delight to rectify that problem. Despite being on the same night of the release show for local queens of the underground Deaf Chonky, I could not miss the opportunity to see what The Sugar Hill Gang had to offer.

Lucille Crew

  With the Barby at about half its capacity by this point, the night starts off with opening act Lucille Crew. I have seen the name a lot on social media. I don't know much detail about the band, but they are an Israeli hip hop band, or groove collective, as they prefer to classify themselves. Despite hearing the odd song or two, which I was impressed by, I hadn't really paid them much attention. I had heard positive feedback from quite a few friends; tonight I get to see it for myself.

  Being a full NINE piece band, things already look promising as soon as they arrive on stage. I'm normally pleased if there is at least one horn player, so seeing a saxophonist, trombonist and trumpeter on stage is more than joyous. The band walk on to a "bring da motherfucking ruckus" playback (Wu Tang Clan). This makes me think that what we're about to witness to heavy as hell gangster rap. Unfortunately, it isn't but it's still damn good!
  Playing music that reminds me of Ozomatli, The Roots and Fun Lovin Criminals, Lucille Crew rightly deserve the "groove collective" label. Mixing both latin and Middle Eastern rhythms with an old school hip hop style, there's a lot of focus on groove. They seem to already have some fans in the audience, who dance and sing along to the likes of What The Hell, Big City and the horn-stab-tastic (should be a word..) Bounce.   Rapper Rebel Sun and vocalist Gal De Paz work great together. His Jurassic 5/Roots style delivery and her haunting vocals, that lie somewhere between Paloma Faith and Beth Gibbons (Portishead), compliment each other well. It's interesting to point out that the lyrical content, especially where the rapping is concerned, is actually quite sexually explicit and adult at times, although it all somehow manages to come across as so innocent and family friendly. The band altogether are fun and seem like a genuinely tight family unit. I was pleasantly surprised.

4/5

Intermission 

I don't normally talk about what goes on in between sets at a show. This is normally because nothing happens apart from some songs being played over the PA and the setting up for the next act. Tonight is different. Being a hip hop show, there are some b-boys in the house who just can't keep themselves from busting a move. A dance circle ensues and practically becomes an extra warm up act on its own. There still isn't a lot of people here by this point, at least not as many as I would expect for what I consider quite a major event. Those who are here are making good use of the time and the good music.

Sugar Hill Gang

The dancing dies down as sounds start coming from the stage. The band's Dj, Rob Temple, is stood by his decks and introduces the MCs. As original Sugar Hill Gang members the gigantic Wonder Mike and the suave looking Master Gee arrive on stage accompanied by the pimped-out Hen Dogg, all heads face towards the stage and cheering begins. The legendary rappers immediately showcase their decades experience as entertainers, interacting with the crowd from the start. They might be using clichés like "Let's tear the roof off" and "Do you guys know how to party?" but it would be more surprising if they weren't. 

 

  As the band go through a sprinkling of their own material, including classic track 8th Wonder, Fast Lane, La La Song (their collaborative house track with Bobby Sinclair) and a new song or two, they are met with smiles and a bit of boogying. However, a majority of the band's set is made up of half-covers of classic hip hop and r'n'b/motown/soul tracks. The Message naturally goes down quite well, as does a wonderful medley of r'n'b classics like Best Of My Love, ABC and "...Sex Machine". 

 

  Having already explained to the audience about their early days playing house parties and the club circuit, the band actually take to playing instruments. These guys don't just attempt to play, but they have some proper musical chops. As well as Master Gee proving that he has rhythm on the drums and Wonder Mike surprising us with his impressive finger work on the bass, it is Dj Temple who, after being in the shadows for the first half of the set, suddenly shows that he too has some pipes on him, as he takes on lead vocal duties while also playing keyboard. The band basically transport themselves to a practice room, having a bit of freestyle funk jam, touching upon the Crazy In Love/Are You My Woman lick as well as breaking into a little bit of the MJ classic, Billie Jean.

 Leaving the instruments behind, the gang get back to their 3 MCs and 1 Dj setup. As well as mentioning how great it is to perform under the Sugar Hill Gang name after all the controversy (check out the documentary "I Want My Name Back"), saying how much they've enjoyed being in Israel and how great the food is, the band also give thanks to their influences and everyone who has helped them along the way. This leads to another short cover of Purple Rain in honour of the late Prince. As sweet as this is, it's not until the legendary Jump Around horns start playing that everyone really starts..well...jumping! As the place goes nuts, the band suddenly slides into the classic Apache and is later followed by Sugar Hill's signature tune Rapper's Delight. Let's be honest...these two tracks are why most people are here tonight. They could just do these two tracks on repeat and the crowd would be happy. Apache brought on a dance craze made even more popular by The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Rapper's Delight is forever considered the first song to bring rap and sampling to the US. They are both long standing party anthems and they have the same effect here tonight. The band even return to the instruments during Rapper's Delight, showing that they can actually play the Chic sample on their own.

Wrapping things off returning for an encore of random funk jamming, it seems as though Sugar Hill Gang really want to continue the party. Unfortunately, I think most of the crowd had already lost interest as soon as they realised they weren't going to do Rapper's Delight again. It is a bit of a let down that not enough people have come out to witness these legends reunited for such a special tour, but it hasn't seemed to have bothered them, persevering  and giving it all they've got and just a whole lot of LOVE.

4/5

All photos courtesy of Raz Mor

Review: Deaf Chonky - FARSH [2016]

For those reading who are not at all connected to the Israeli underground scene, you might not know who Deaf Chonky are. For those of you who are involved, you must be familiar with these two young ladies by now!

Deaf Chonky (a play on words of the Russian for "girls") are a young musical duo who have basically become the biggest thing in the Israeli underground/punk scene within a year, if not less. They don't actually consider themselves punk, preferring to use the term "garage-folk" (copyright pending). It is highly appropriate, to be fair. As I already mentioned in a previous live review (see here), they do have punk and riot grrl elements to their music, but it's more that they use that energy and angst with more experimental folk musicianship and thought provoking poetry.

When listening to the new album, FARSH, the poetry is there from the beginning. In 30 second intro track, Wild, guitarist and main vocalist Adi passionately uses metaphors which, admittedly, go a little over my head but seem to focus on the concept of getting things (possibly "life") over and done with quickly. As it ends with a scream, it gives hope that things can only get more crazy from here on in.

Most of the album continues with the poetry but mixed with very good song structure and passionate musicianship. In some cases, like with Shirley, the poetry takes on more of a narrative style but the lyrical content throughout the album tends to be social commentary, using high level English and more metaphors.
  Folk(a) Party(a), the song the band considers to be their only real "punk" track, has crazy saxophone parts courtesy of Itay Levin. Its changes in dynamics (part sea shanty, part experimental rock) makes it an exciting track, although it doesn't quite have the "party" vibe I was hoping for. If that's meant to be ironic, then that's ok but annoying! Kontrol, compared to its demo version (from last year's Mostly Farsh demo), has more structure and an intriguing chorus but has kept Adi's tongue twister delivery in the verses, which was the main charm of the song.
  Bad Things Could Happen is an epic musical journey, going off at tangents but ultimately circling back to the anthemic and infectious chorus, musically reminiscent of The Fun Lovin' Criminal. Social Security, possibly the album's highlight,  switches between angsty garage rock and sweet 60s style doo woop without sounding forced or self indulgent. The sweet "ooh wa ooh"s in the chorus paired with the lyrical content gives the song quite a menacing undertone. Diagnosa, nearer the end of the album, could almost be a theme tune to a Tarantino movie, with a Misirlou inspired main riff. It's a fun number with Tami's upbeat drumming making the tune the most danceable on here. 

As well as just structural and genre experimentation, the girls showcase their range of musical talents. On the traditional folk-sounding and mostly Hebrew sung Gozalim (Baby Chicks), we get to hear Adi's banjo and contrabass skills and some harmonica by Tami, as well as their sweet vocal harmonies. The harmonica also shows up on International Criminal, which comes off like a creepy waltz due to its 3/4 time signature and dark lyrics. 

Unfortunately, midway through the album, the lyrical genius and interesting musicianship takes a bit of a backseat as there's a sprinkle of what feels like "fillers". Brush Your Teeth and its repetitive "Time for bed" refrain is catchy and reminiscent of 90s Brit Pop but could be longer. It's a good track but feels like an afterthought. Their version of short Lithuanian song, Dolijute, is cute as hell but could have just been left as a live number. Then there's 08, which I'm starting to think is a mistake that they just left in. It's literally a 20 second soundcheck on parts of the drum kit! 

Tying things off using a sampler and synth on the short pulsating Looks Good, Deaf Chonky have certainly created an album which can't really be pigeon-holed easily, nor be considered "boring". Despite the odd unnecessary inclusion, most of the songs on here are incredibly well put together, both musically and especially lyrically, sometimes even resembling the poetical genius of artists like Nick Cave and Patti Smith. Their musicianship has improved since their demo and their creativity has really shone through. Although their popularity may have initially grown to hype, FARSH is proof that Deaf Chonky have something special going on.

4/5

CHECK OUT TRUTH AND LIES!!

Leeway are one of those crossover hardcore/thrash bands that have a small but strong following. Not many people may have liked their last album, Open Mouth Kiss, which saw them take on more melody and a more groove-rock vibe. I am one of those people who absolutely fell in love with that album and it has become a big musical influence for me, personally. I have since discovered another band by Leeway frontman, Eddie Sutton, called Truth and Rights.

Truth and Rights brought out a 3 track EP, Green Light, in 2010 and are set to release a new full length album, Lies and Sleights. On Eddie's private (I'm guessing) soundcloud, he has previewed two new songs. Quite similar to the Truth and Rights EP and the latter Leeway material, both Games and Tommy Karate have got the right amount of groove, riffs and Eddie's powerful vocals. Thus, I'm loving it!