(via Luna Abu Nassar)
Dawame, Luna Abu Nassar’s second album, sounds like a dream on the banks of a Tel Aviv river, with echoes of different voices and instruments coming in and out as sounds of nature set a calming scene. Her extra touches add a somewhat sinister, deep blue feel that’s very compelling. She could easily be one of the musical artists at the end of the new Twin Peaks episodes.
Luna Abu Nassar:
(via TATRAN)
I have no idea what’s going on in TATRAN‘s latest music video, and I think that’s OK. From the jarring dancing to the masked people who look like Miyazaki extras, there’s a lot going on, and it’s all soundtracked to experimental and jazzy instrumental post-rock.
The video is for “Eyes,” the latest single from the group’s upcoming album ‘No Sides,’ out June 2nd.
From the press release:
“The latest video from Israel’s Tatran is a pulsating visual experience. Created for their latest single “Eyes”, which is also featured on the upcoming album. The work takes place in an ancient bell cave in Israel. As strange figures marvel with each frame, showcasing unique and eye catching abstractions. The lack of identity given to these characters allows them to move with fluidity, while being consumed by the distinctive space.
An incredibly tight production, the video progresses with quick pace mirroring with the unparalleled high notes and melody of the bass, and the deep low lines courtesy of the guitar. The result is a mesmerizing display of creativity that is difficult to ignore. As the video concludes, members of the obtuse pack join a deity, who utilizes a supernatural dance to communicate sweet vibrations to her troops.”
TATRAN:
(via Baharat)
Baharat is one of the many exciting bands on Batov Records, a London based independent label with sounds from all over the world. I’m drawn to this Tel Aviv three-piece because the music sounds psychedelic but tight, a kaleidoscope sound that doesn’t get in the way of itself. If you like Tame Impala or any music that would fit well in an Urban Outfitters, you’ll especially like this group.
From Batov:
“In middle eastern cuisine it’s well known – ‘don’t forget to add some Baharat to the dish! It always brings the magic!’ We are very pleased and excited to add a special new spice to the Batov Records kitchen…a band of 3 of Tel-Aviv’s finest hipsters, mixing the flavours of middle-eastern sounds with the vintage vibes of surf music. This tasty EP was recorded at home with minimal equipment, superb musicianship, lots of humility, a tape machine and no drugs. It is still a hallucination of timeless tunes.. and if you don’t think we’re objective about it, you are definitely right.”
Baharat:
Batov Records:
(via Tigris)
Tel Aviv’s Tigris is a melting pop of different grooves; I hear a few different songs within a single track and it makes me want to dance silly on a beach.
From its Bandcamp bio:
“TIGRIS pulls the East and West African music into a new and surprising musical center. Crazy grooves, special combination of instruments, addictive melodies, and the virtuosity of each band member – puts Tigris in a new territory on the original African music map that covers the world.”
Tigris:
(via Lubazuk)
“The Man in the Mirror” is the second single from the Tel Aviv band’s self-titled EP, which you can listen to via Bandcamp. The sound is described as “cabaret organic rock,” which to me sounds like if Grizzly Bear went to Israel to record new music. The video was directed by Kobie Flashman.
Lubazuk:
(via Kutiman)
Tel Aviv’s Kutiman is a multi-talented songwriter known for a sound that Beehype describes as Herbie-Hancock-Jazz-Funk-Psychedelic. I’d also describe it as a less wavy Tame Impala with more emphasis on the bliss you feel when a giant orchestra overwhelms you.
“Shine Again,” off Kutiman’s new record ‘6AM,’ is glorious in that very euphoric sense. Adam Scheflan, who contributes throughout the album, sings clearly and strong, and his vocals are backed by strings and horns inspired by Middle Eastern and African melodies. It’s like listening to an Eastern sunrise and feeling ready to take on the world. The song, like the rest of the album, is a little bit of everything that somehow comes across as natural – I guess psych pop really does sound best in Israel.
‘6AM’ is the first official release off Kutiman’s own Siyal Music label.
Kutiman: