Hamakor’s original sounds

June 15, 2008 - 7:12 AM by Harry

Hamakor Based in Jerusalem, Hamakor is one of those rare bands that’s comprised of visibly Orthodox Jews yet doesn’t ram its religious identity down your throat. For entertainers who focus exclusively on the religious markets, religious posturing is the key, with black-and-white outfits and whiny vocals taken to the max.

But for an increasing number of Jewish-themed bands with serious crossover potential, theologically oriented themes may creep into the lyrics, but that’s about it – the focus is on the integrity of the sound. (Comprised of God-fearing yet Alice in Chains-loving immigrants from New York, Heedosh is to be commended for adhering to similar standards).

Hamakor is also forging a niche genre entirely its own. With vocals by a brother of The Moshav Band’s frontman, lead guitar by Californian alchemist Bruce “RebbeSoul” Burger and a keyboard player nicknamed “Silicon Monk” who cut his chops playing avant garde electronic music with an act called Signal Path, Hamakor’s focus is on spiritual guitar rock infused with an infectious trance bounce.

Over the past three or so years, Hamakor has gained an international fan base the old fashioned way: by playing loads of concerts. Now they’re in the midst of their third tour of the US, a feat that would make any aspiring Israeli musical export jealous, and preliminary plans for their next studio release are already in the works.

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