Aurgasm

surf // indie eclectic

During my year spent in Tel Aviv I’ve learnt about many indie artists and been to a countless number of local gigs. Many of these discoveries I have already shared with you, avid readers, yet there is one act both Paul and I have been wanting to introduce to a wider audience of music lovers. Tel Aviv-based Boom Pam sounds unmistakably Mediterranean. There are Greek influences (think energetic Greek wedding music), Oriental motifs (traditional Middle Eastern melodies) and Balkan rhythms (passionate and vibrant) in their music. You can easily say as well it’s a Tel Avivian vibe, multicultural, stylish and laid back at the same time. “Wedding song” an up-tempo track from their almost entirely instrumental self-titled record features tuba and surf guitars and gives you a good idea of what Boom Pam sounds like. Boom Pam’s interpretation of Dick Dale’s “The Wedge”, Puerto Rican Nights (2008), is a mixture of Mediterranean heat and an American western movie.

Mediterranean eclecticism played with tremendous energy.
Boom Pam – Wedding Song
Boom Pam – The Wedge
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funk // jam band

Among Tel Aviv’s alternative music lovers, the Ramirez Brothers trio has made a good name for their outstanding lively performances long before their debut album release. 100% analog, The Ramirez Brothers’ recently released album captures that special sound quality, preserving the atmosphere of the live show. “Sizzlin’ ” featuring Karolina on vocals, delivers stylish rhythmic grooves along with a funky, sunny feeling.

From groovy freestyle to tight uptempo funk.
The Ramirez Brothers – Sizzlin’
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freestyle chill // downtempo // breakbeat

The alternative scene of groovy, funky and stylish music in Israel is probably more colourful and lively than ever. In his solo project J.Viewz, Tel Aviv-based musician, turntablist and producer Jonathan Dagan seamlessly merges his passion for jazz and electronic music. The cool and quirky electronic textures of J.Viewz’ track “Muse Breaks” evolve from the soft yet dancefloor-friendly breaks to the moving rhythms and hypnotic downtempo, bringing to mind the early work of Kosheen. Jonathan’s superb production skills, the beautiful female vocals and a hint of subtle tension render Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” into a delightfully mellow treat.

Tightly woven beats and soulful vibes.
J.Viewz – Muse Breaks
J.Viewz – Smooth Criminal (stream only)
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cabaret // klezmer

Fusing the strains of the centuries-old traditions, modern and the experimental, Israeli collective Panic Ensemble creates an intensely dramatic, cabaret-infused sound and appealing theatrical atmosphere. Playing a wide range of instruments, such as viola, accordion, contrabass, keyboards and percussion, the eight musicians of Panic Ensemble mix the expressive Klezmer melodies, massive rock energy and jazz influences. In their recently released self-titled album, Panic Ensemble weave their original arrangements with electronic subtleties and powerful, partly based on professional literature lyrics.

Full of poetic intensity and beauty.
Panic Ensemble – Spring In Your Heart
Panic Ensemble – Jewish Woman
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indie-pop // psychedelic

Working in a minimalist apartment studio in Tel Aviv, Windy & Destiny present the psyche-reflecting soundtrack of their lives. The gentle pulsations, guitar waves and warm female vocals of their debut album evolve like an ever-changing mini-psychedelic experience, transforming into a rhythmic and relaxing musical structure. At times more uptempo and catchy, and at times tenderly melancholic with a shoegaze vibe, Words For Such A Riot (2007) is somewhere between adorably sweet and slightly menacing.

Dreamy notes and darker hints.
Windy & Destiny – In Another Day
Windy & Destiny – A House For You
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