Beth Israel

***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.