Live Review: Jenny Woo + others @ Zimmer, Tel Aviv [26th April 2018]

Jenny Woo

Shortfuze

Helem

Akrabut

Cyanide

Extravaganza

Extravaganza

Starting off the night is possibly the first classic metal band to play a punk show like this – Extravaganza. Comprising of members from Tel Aviv ska, punk, surf, rock and even psychedelic bands, Extravaganza are the supergroup no-one really asked for (sorry). Their reasonably short debut set consisted of original songs that sound like imitations of Dio or Iron Maiden, as well as an enjoyable cover of Judas Priest’s Breaking The Law. Although the songs are actually good and they all play tight, the overall performance resembles that of a hair metal themed wedding band. Even the band name is something you would call a party band. (There's actually a Lithuanian Black Metal band with the same name but that's an even weirder choice.) Shouting "This is a metal extravaganza" throughout most of the set also just enhances the cheesiness. That said, it doesn’t mean they’re not entertaining. The punks here seem to enjoy it, some who even already knew a song or two. If anything, Extravaganza is definitely a band to get drunk and take your shirt off to.

2.5/5  

Cyanide

Up next are a young local trio called Cyanide (or "Tsee-ya-need" to the locals). I think I’ve seen them before but if I had, this was a slightly better performance. Although they play simple punk rock, including covers of Ramones and GBH, you can tell they’ve been working hard to get things right. There is still a way to go. Some of their original lyrics are a bit childish and the musicianship needs some cleaning up in places, but there is certainly potential.

3/5

Akrabut

Hailing from Haifa (via Russia), Akrabut is a new punk trio featuring members of Nezek and City Rats. In a way, Akrabut is on a similar street-punk/crossover wave as City Rats only with a darker edge. At least it sounds darker live, with the reverb on the vocals almost at maximum. It just overall sounds less traditional compared to City Rats, which makes them just a little bit more interesting and intense. Akrabut have tons of energy which shines through in their performance and takes over the crowd, making he venue really come alive. In the same way that City Rats had both the music and attitude to get a bit of notoriety in Europe, I reckon Akrabut have a similar future ahead..if they want it.

4/5

Helem

Back to more new local talent as Helem (which means something like "foolish behaviour" but can also be a play on the word meaning "shock") take the stage. Being pretty much the same line-up as local Oi covers band Oi Lo! minus 2 singers, Helem do fairly traditional Israeli street punk but with the catchiness and almost mainstream sensibility of Oi. As well as their own songs with choruses that can worm their way into your head, their set's highlight is their Hebrew version of What A Wonderful World which has been changed into Ezeh Hara Olam (What A Shit World). Not only does it show creativity to practically reinvent a classic but to do it another language is always pretty impressive. Helem are definitely up there as one of the most interesting punk bands to come form the scene at the moment.

4/5

Shortfuze

Now we go from a band influenced by Oi to a brand new band that considers themselves purely Oi - Shortfuze. Starting off their first ever show with a little bit of simple instrumental ska (to be fair, ska is pretty simple anyway), the band then play a set of classic Oi. Going along pretty typical themes for Oi such as unity, positivity and how great Oi is, there's nothing too original about the songs. However, their token Hebrew song Oved Shaot (Working For Hours) stands out as the most personal and relatable (for those who understand it, that is). I think that goes to show that you can be more creative and expressive in your native tongue. The band then have the honour of being joined on stage by today's main guest, Jenny Woo, for a cover of her song Here We Stand and Chaos by 4 Skins which get the crowd all excited for her set. The main problem for me throughout this set was a sound issue - the snare drum disappeared. It seems as though the mic fell at some point so most of the set was without any punchy snare drum which was a bit of a distraction for me, being a drummer myself. However, I'm looking forward to some recordings of Shortfuze some time soon.

3.5/5

Jenny Woo

And now for the main event of the night all the way from Canada - Jenny Woo! With an electro-acoustic in hand, our guest finally takes to the stage while enduring the interval watching Israelis and Russians dancing to some of the weirdest techno-pop you've ever heard. Although acoustic Oi might not sound that entertaining, Jenny controls the crowd by teaching lyrics and getting the crowd to join in with both her songs like Sound of the Streets and classic covers like I Fought The Law and Because You're Young. To add to the fun, she makes a competition out of the crowd participation by saying who ever sings the loudest gets a free CD or Vinyl (I think she had a few things to give out). Jenny has an awesome voice similar to that of City Mouse singer Miski. It's got a bit of a harshness to it but more comprehensive than someone like Brody Dalle. Jenny seems super sweet and definitely knows how to get a crowd going but I think she was let down a little bit by the venue's sound. Her electro-acoustic was a bit too crackly for the most part. However, you can't beat a bit of classic Oi!

4/5

Unfortunately I was unable to stay around for The Bad Wins and their collaboration with Jenny but I've seen them a good few times before and they are a fun classic punk band with some catchy songs. I'll try and review them properly another time. In the mean time, a big shout to them and to all who took part in this event. It's been quite the evening!

All photos courtesy of Ella Ben Yakar