***BETH ISRAEL seem to get noisier and more dissonant as their pop sensibility becomes more refined. The Loaner, the band's third release and second cassette on Dull Tools only reemphasizes the relative solitude and obscurity that the group exist in. Not unlike the bizarre avant-pop of Tommy Jay or Tronics, homage is paid to a variety of musical traditions, while maintaining a core sound. Acid-casualty sound collage and cinematic baroque trash tie together tunes that some would call "synth punk" but Beth Israel would just call "music". I can't tell you much about Beth Israel, the band or the individuals that make up its membership. Rumor has it that the longtime duo is now a touring trio. Truth or underground gossip? Catch them on their tour of the USA to find out.
MC $6.00
05/26/2015
***Received a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork. For most of us, Austin's elusive BETH ISRAEL are still very much a mystery. Those lucky enough to hear their eponymous 2013 cassette tape would far outnumber those lucky enough to catch one of their few live sets. When listening to Dental Denial, the duo's debut LP, one hears that the lonesome dark-pop that sparked underground curiosity contains a new and exciting depth. Clearly benefiting from economy, within Beth Israel's sparseness lies a refreshing sense of restraint that suggests English post-punk and NDW. Yet underneath the drum-machine precision of Dead Bodies lies an oddball humor that seems to wink at you from across dance floor. Like the weird loner kid that sat in the back of class, Dental Denial is equal parts menacing and alluring. Catchy, danceable and curiously surreal, this record will satisfy those of us who have been waiting eagerly to hear what these Texans will do next.
LP $17.50
04/22/2014