Izabo - Press Release, July 2004

Alternative rockers Izabo are set to make their UK debut with the release of their ‘Morning Hero’ EP on August 30 th via First Light/BMG. (cat:82876627612)

Described by Israeli newspaper Haaretz as ‘ a brilliant and action-packed combination of psychedelic rock, disco, punk and Arab music’ , the four-piece manage to blend a love of Led Zeppelin, XTC and Prince with their Middle Eastern heritage.

Frontman and songwriter Ran Shem-Tov founded the band in 1989 with his partner Shiri Hadar (keyboards & vocals). Periods spent as a musician and producer for hire around Tel Aviv saw Shem-Tov absorbing a rich variety of inspirations and influences, and his subsequent travails would surely make a wonderfully eccentric road movie. There was time spent in London playing Police and Talking Heads covers, then an ill-fated indie record deal in New York that resulted in the band having to work odd jobs and sell clothes at flea markets to make ends meet.

They returned to Israel where the current line up took shape with Ran and Shiri joined by Jonathan (bass) and Nir (drums). “I always wanted the music to be a celebration as in Arab films or Chinese action movies” says Ran “but I have sometimes tended to be a little controlled. Jonathan & Nir gave me the legitimacy to make it barbaric.”

The fact that the band have always sung in English demonstrates a dearly-held ambition to make it in the UK / US. Maybe it’s time at last for these colourful troubadours.

They will be doing a Barfly venue tour to promote the EP and will be available in the UK for interview from 25 th August. The live dates are:

Aug 30 London
Sep 1 Liverpool
Sep 2 York
Sep 3 Cardiff
Sep 5 Glasgow

For more info, please call Rosie Wilby at Piranha PR on 020 8299 1928 or check out www.izabo.co.uk;

Izabo - main page >>>