The word "Teiku" is a Talmudic acronym referring to a logical argument that has reached a stalemate; it also refers to a sporting match that ends in a draw.
By BEN JACOBSON
Local indie rock outfit Teiku returns to the stage this Monday for a special appearance at Mike's Place, 37 Jaffa Road, in Jerusalem. The word "Teiku" is a Talmudic acronym referring to a logical argument that has reached a stalemate, and the term is also used in contemporary Hebrew to refer to a sporting match that has ended in a draw.
In the case of this high-concept, spiritual alternative rock band, the name conveys the tensions between the many worlds we live in and man's striving to break free of the various existential inclinations that might cancel each other out - heavy stuff for a cave bar act.
The band features the unconventional drumming of Yisrael Abehsera and the warm yet punchy bass work of Mike Tewner in its formidable rhythm section. With his contribution a key highlight on Teiku's debut studio release this past spring, Yoni "Better Than Benoni" Becker is known for letting it rip on electric guitar, and his participation should take the ethereal group to other realms on Monday.
Teiku mastermind and Rathaus Records honcho Shimon Rapaport, who wrote all of the songs on the disc, has been preparing Monday's gig for months and has high hopes for the band's return to the public consciousness.
Entrance to this popular venue is free as always; the concert is scheduled for 10:30 p.m.