For about a month or two I've been enjoying The North, the debut album from Israeli band Men of North Country. The album is full of modern day, old school, soul and is on my list of recommended listens. Check out the video for "Pandora" below. The song is insanely infectious. One listen to it and you'll be hooked.
Men of North Country emerged from Tel Aviv’s soul scene, bringing with them a fresh approach to creating the perfect three-minute soul nugget. The band started by chance, when soul DJ Yashiv Cohen was overheard singing along to the tunes he was playing at one of his Tel Aviv Soul Club parties. With the encouragement and eventual collaboration of his musician friends (from Israeli bands Electra, The Ramirez Brothers, Funk’n’stein and Coolooloosh) they formed Israel's finest soul outfit. And whilst managing to stay true to their beloved 60's Soul they also introduce a contemporary, fresh and personal twist.
“The North” is an album rippling with memorable melodies, infectious hooks and refreshingly honest lyrics, which betray the band’s love of a genre in which they truly excel. Influences worn with pride: The Teardrop Explodes, Style Council and Dexys, but with an approving nod towards their 60's favourites: Al Wilson, Robert Parker and Gloria Jones.
