Having attended several Sofar Sounds shows globally in recent years, perhaps most notably at CMJ back in 2014, I was keen to see how the living room based concert series fared in Tel Aviv. This show was billed as a comeback of sorts after a recent switch in the local organising committee and it really felt like some of the spirit I had witnessed in places like London, New York and Barcelona was beginning to seep through.
For those who are unaware; Sofar Sounds bills itself as “an expanding network of artists and music lovers” which aims to create a better way to discover live music. On the basis of this mission statement the show we attended was a great success.
With the location announced just days before the show date I rode my bicycle to the northern neighbourhood of Afeka not really knowing what to expect. There in the heart of a semi-suburban residential area we were greeted at a lovely home and led to the ground floor where the instruments had already been set up and light treats and drinks were being offered.
By the time first band Forest hit the stage there was a good 40+ people packed into an intimate room and none of us knew what to expect. Fortunately as soon as the first notes were played the tension was immediately lifted. The female fronted multi-membered band played their brand of folk and americana mixing wind and string instruments to great effect. Their particular sound palette seemed custom fit for a Sofar event and the audience seemed to hang on to their every word. Their short 4-song set passed with a breeze and we were left humming the gorgeous melodies long after they left the stage.
The next band to perform where youthful quintet Bones Garage whose brand of garage rock and surf guitar vibes really lit the room on fire. By all accounts the band is creating a bit of buzz around them with their energy and passion and today, despite some technical difficulties, was no different. With their front woman crooning passionately over her co-conspirators carefully molded musical delivery it felt like these tracks were bonafide pop hits hidden amongst some unexpected beats and off-kilter guitars. Their set went by rapidly and it felt like the whole room was longing for more.
With the sun beginning to set through the large windows the day’s headliners Echo&Tito hit the stage last. The DJ and vocalist’s mix of dub, electronica with Middle Eastern vibes and where yet another demonstration of how eclectic and fun Sofar Sounds can be. Urging the audience to stand up and join them onstage for a second it felt like we were at some soon to be shut down illegal rave. Not forgetting why they were there to begin with the duo played on the dynamics of the space mixing quasi-whispered introspective moments with all out bombastic beats, their final number met with a rousing reception.
And just like that it was over. With the local scene showing so much promise Sofar Sounds Tel Aviv managed to deliver a great night featuring a multifaceted mix of artists and influences. I left with a big smile having discovered new sounds, made new friends and re-fallen in love with live music. When is the next show?
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