Over the years I have been fortunate enough to come across some really great bands from Israel, and I can now add Prophecy Playground to the list. Based around singer/songwriter guitarist/singer Or Izekson, the band is completed by cellist Carmiella Bernstein and violinist Avner Reshef, along with various guests. Here is an album which feels as if it is a newly discovered classic from the late Sixties psych folk period, something which is only enhanced by the two covers, Kevin Ayers’ “Eleanor’s Cake (Which Ate Her)” and Mississippi John Hurt’s “Nobody Cares For Me”. What makes these songs really stand out is that they do not, they fit perfectly with the rest of the album and if the listener were unaware of the original one would think they were written by Izekson.

The arrangements are deliberately sparse, but unwaveringly beautiful, with Izekson’s delicate voce surrounded by various strings. There is no doubt that he had been greatly influenced by Nick Drake, as his approach is very similar, containing that same wonderful naivety and joy, and it feels all very English in approach. One can imagine this being released by Island Records back in the day, and for Or to be working out of a bedsit in Soho, playing the coffee clubs and bars in those bohemian days. That this is coming out of modern-day Israel is almost beyond comprehension, with very strong lyrics and ideas that certainly takes it back in time. It is a simply gorgeous release who just what to drift away on melodies and words which are classic in so many ways.

Rating: 9/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ProphecyPlayground/
https://friendlyfolkrecords.org/