Jai Agnish/Gospel Zombie – Our Split EP
Label: Men of Israel Records
Style: Electronic, Americana Folk Rock
Released: 2004
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Stereolab, Sufjan Stevens, The Postal Service


This release features two amazing bands from the indie label Men of Israel Records. The first half of the e.p. belongs to New Jersey’s own Jai Agnish and it opens with a watery Stereolab-esque instrumental entitled “Basement Analog.” It’s a cool laid back romp that incorporates both traditional and electronic instruments. It has a very calming effect upon the listener, very serene and peaceful. Jai has an incredible knack for including experimental sounds into his songs in a non-distracting way there’s a fine line between using electronics to enhance your songs and take away from them, he does a superb job walking that line. The tenuous “How Far” is a perfect example of this. Its appeal is heightened by the simple lyrical refrain “how far can you see…?” creating a glorious atmosphere of reflection. Jai closes his contribution to this disc with the acoustic dominated “Green Series No. 2.” Overall Jai takes simplicity and blends it with his unusual pop sensibility to make stunning well played songs.

Gospel Zombie (now The Pit That Became A Tower) live and direct from the holy city of Jerusalem offers us off-kilter songs that are really hard to define. Try to imagine if David Brazan decided to make folk-music added in a little rock and topped it off with a dash of Middle Eastern twang you’d get an idea of what this band sounds like. If you are looking for music that is original, creative, and has something to say then these guys are right up your alley. My favorite song on this album is “Call to Arms” it is a wonderfully put together motivating song. It stresses the need to get serious about what’s really important in life, with words like: “Stephen spoke and then was stoned, when you’re toiling with your jobs will you hear the call to arms?” You can feel the conviction in lead singer Adam Rosenfeld’s voice and I’m grateful he penned this tune for us all to enjoy. Both bands are worth checking out because they serve as a great introduction to what’s happening in the Israeli indie scene. Get your own copy now and prepare to be dazzled and amazed.

Reviewed by: Aaron

Official Website: menofisraelrecords.com