Miscellaneous - Zaphod's, Ottawa, 13/10/2004
by Andrew Carver
published: 7 / 10 / 2004
intro
Sadly playing to an audience of just 10 people at Zaphod's in Ottawa, Andrew Carver sess neo-psychedelic Israeli quartet Rockfour put on "a satisfying show witnessed by far too few. "
Zaphod’s was eerily quiet when I walked in the door at 9:30; with no opening act and a meager audience, the only sound was the clink of glasses from the bar and the third U.S. presidential debate on the television. The debate over, it was time for Rockfour to play. “We’ve come a long way …” noted Rockfour singer and guitarist Eli Lulai. Unfortunately, few Ottawans did the same, and as a result the neo-psychedelic Israeli quartet played to grand total of 10 people (assuming one counts the soundman and both of the bar staff). But despite the meagre turnout, the band played with an alternately intense and dreamy sincerity. Perhaps too much sincerity. If someone of a less sombre mien than Lulai sat down on the drum riser with head in hands he probably would have been laughed of the stage. Drummer Issarr Tennenbaum's goofy grin was a marked contrast to Lulai’s serious demeanour. Guitarist Baruch Ben Itzhak stayed focused on the music, twisting and turning in time when he wasn’t making a frequent excursion to a well-stocked pedalboard. The distinctive jangle of his 12-string Rickenbacker was naturally reminiscent of the Byrds’s sound; the group’s vocal harmonies (provided by Lulai, Itzhak and bassist Marc Lazare) added to the effect. Rockfour, however, blend more modern influences into their music. Itzhak’s fondness for oddball sounds often brings comparisons with Robert Fripp, and he certainly threw in a few weird notes throughout the show. A satisfying show witnessed by far too few.
Picture Gallery:-
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
previous editions
Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down the StairsWorld Party - Interview
World Party - Interview with Karl Wallinger
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Ain't That Always The Way - Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
Steve Harley - Interview
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Ruts - Life After Death ? : A Profile
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Leprous - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Serious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning DewMarika Hackman - Big Sigh
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart