Sabra Sounds

It is a strange trend here that Israeli films tend not to release soundtracks to their works. And so, it was a nice surprise to see the album to Year Zero in my mailbox.

By VIVA SARAH PRESS
year zero disk 88 298 (photo credit: )
year zero disk 88 298
(photo credit: )
Year Zero (Shnat Effes) Soundtrack Various Artists (Nana Disc/imusic) It is a strange trend here that Israeli films tend not to release soundtracks to their works. And so, it was a nice surprise to see the album to Year Zero in my mailbox. While the film had a number of plot lines, the music was an important feature in the narrative. The punk rock soundtrack includes songs by Amir Lev, Rami Fortis, Useless ID, Jay Gonzales, Dada band, and Dan Toran. The album opens with a special version of "Dvash" by Fortis, which was recorded in 1975. The next song is "Doda Golda" by the Dada band. Josef Pitchhadze, the film's director, created for the movie the Dada band (named for the nihilistic movement in the arts). The band's songs, especially "Doda Golda" and the catchy "Anastasia," show off Israel's better punk output. Useless ID offer up five pop-punk tracks. Their songs are playful, have catchy melodies, and come with the group's trademark English lyrics. Meanwhile, the veteran singer Lev entrances the listener with four more sinister rock tracks. His deep and pleasing voice on "Anenim Schorim," "Al Tidagi," and "Leviyot Velaidot," attests to why he's a necessary delegate in the local rock scene. And while many soundtracks are put together to sell the according movie, this soundtrack is a good punk rock album in and of its self. Funk'n'stein The Band (Blue Sun Music) It's party time. Funk'n'stein has finally released its debut album after seven years of fine-tuning their groove. The album opens with the following lines: "The way of the Lord has made us funky...he gave us all a special mission ...he gave us the groove, he showed us the moves." And yes, this double album is hip from track one through track 33 (both discs). The eight members of Funk'n'stein (not to be confused with the alt-rock Canadian band by the same name) are full of energy and positive vibes. On "W.G.T.A" it's near impossible not to bop one's head to the beat. Disc One includes 16 original tracks while the bonus disc has 17 tracks. Funk'n'stein's lyrics are in English and are carefree and full of optimism. The band recorded the album in Kibbutz Maoz Haim and mixed it in Switzerland to ensure an international standard. This double album is brimming with funk, soul and R&B, and is a welcome relief from the average productions plaguing the local music market.