I Got Bitten By The Apples
Just nestled outside the wonder that is Paradise Forum (see Nov 2006 blog) , The Yardbird is really getting itself together as a great place for a night out. Last night we went to see Israeli 8 piece band, 'The Apples' that were funky as dogshit. The name isn't all that good but the combination of tight-assed brass-led funk and hilarious scratch antics nearly took the roof off.
Arriving on stage with a eurocool five-strong brass section, engaging frontman/drummer, and two Guantanamo bodysuited dj's they crashed headlong into the first track despite being two decks down. In a heavily decks based outfit you'd think this would be a bit of a problem but the intrepid DJ Todres and The Schoolmaster were soon battling over the same turntables, arms interlocked, looking like this bit of imposed improvisation presented a welcome challenge.
Did I mention the drums? Breakneck beats from Yonadav Halevy who manages the seemingly impossible task of keeping a get-on-yer-feet beat and leading the band and sorting out quite a lot of technical problems whilst all the time looking like he's having the best time time of his life.
It's a thoroughly infectious mix and soon enough if you're not grooving with a great big smile on your face well then you're way too cool for school. Their signature Rage against the machine cover goes down a bomb wiv da kids, an encore includes a laugh out loud call and response between us and what sounds like James Brown in a mincer. Honestly.
I got to remembering my two tours to Israel in 2000 and 2002. The spirit of The Apples was so much like a lot of the people I met, especially in Tel Aviv. At the time I couldn't help thinking all this hedonism was born out of a fatalist approach to life. Could be dead tomorrow so lets enjoy today sort of thing.
It looks like they're on tour in the UK til the 20th but check them out here if you can't see them. More of the same please
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