When you first hear the name Balkan Beat Box, your thoughts may stray off into the land of open mics for hip-hop artists only. However, this super-group of a band who has steadily become an international phenomenon does not only go out of the box but tears down any structures or barriers your mind may have had in regards to their name.
For those who already knew what Balkan Beat Box is about, they know it just keeps getting better with each performance. However, as I waited around at the El Rey Theatre, I was very anxious for my very first BBB show. All I knew was that they took traditional world music and spiced it up for today’s generation. I also knew it was dance music but I was very curious to see how the crowd at the theatre would respond to it.
It wasn’t a surprise but it was incredibly fulfilling as the curtains opened only to have the crowd go from a cool collected group to a crazed jumping ocean of bodies and hands in the air. BBB managed to own the theatre with the very first beat they put down. The atmosphere was immediately filled with Mediterranean dance hall rhythms, pleasing fans of hip-hop to electronica to rock to big band… It was definitely an overwhelming sensation.
With lead vocalist, Tomer Yosef pumping up the crowd by shouting “Shout your ass” and “Let’s make sure we make this club move!” the audience was more than inclined to dive deep into a amalgamation of beats, chants, exploding riffs and flashing lights.
As a first time BBB audience member, I couldn’t help but notice that there were so many unbelievable things happening on stage. First off, you hear a sitar but you see two extremely talented saxophones intertwining their notes in way you wouldn’t have ever imagined. The vocals of Yosef, were so impressively gritty, unruly, and low, I almost took him as world music DMX as he exuded all this energy.
I was in awe as the venue transformed into a swirling chaotic club from a classy chandelier kind of atmosphere. Instruments were crossing purposes as they were played, the crowd was constantly moving, and the energy was infectious. Forget the ecstasy, pill poppers. Balkan Beat Box was in the house and cured everyone from any ailment whatsoever.
My body would not tolerate still motion and as I looked around everywhere, I could not help but smile and laugh. There were the hardcore fans up in the front but then there were the small groups of friends just having a good time dancing in the corners and in the back. People who were getting drinks couldn’t even be at the bar without bobbing their heads or swaying their hips. Balkan Beat Box was proof that any music could come together. Indian, Jamaican, Balkan, Jewish – you name it. This hybrid force has been here and there in clubs all over, but it’s about to dominate all music acts very soon.
Photo by OBCOS
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