Israeli trio Vaadat Charigim play the type of silky shoegaze that is eternally gray. And their subject matter is equally bleak. “Our music deals with dystopia, war, loss of values, and just living alone in a city,” they explained in a recent interview. That city is Tel Aviv. And the title of their debut album—The World Is Well Lost—sort of says it all.
Interestingly enough, the title is the only thing most Westerners will understand. Vaadat Charigim (which translates to “Exceptions Committee” in Hebrew) have chosen to deliver these songs in their native tongue. Even if you don’t understand Hebrew, the members’ decision to not sing in English is quite a statement unto itself.
Musically, you’ll hear traces of noted Euro-mopesters My Bloody Valentine and Ride, the pop of Spanish ’90s cult band Family, and some Galaxy 500 from this side of the pond. Opener “Odisea” and “Kmo Lahzor Habaita” are sleek and monotone, while “Kezef Al Hamayim” and “Haolam Avad Mizman” offer glimpses of the band’s punk and pop leanings (and more specifically, Ian Curtis and Steven Patrick Morrissey).
All in all, The World Is Well Lost is a fine mix of icy guitars and cozy hooks that anyone can relate to. Obviously, if you speak Hebrew the music would take on even more depth. But Vaadat Charigim’s decision to make a record that remains true to their own identity speaks volumes. Let’s hope that never changes.