NEZEK – Self-Titled

From the angry political strife of Nekhei Naatza, Public Domain, or Dir Yassin, to the melodic toe-tapping riffs of Useless ID, Not On Tour, and Kids Insane, there’s been a lively underground scene going on in Israel for decades now.

Taking influences from a myriad of hardcore punk subgenres, NEZEK (meaning damage in Hebrew) originated in the city of Haifa to enthusiastically evoke DIY ethics and anti-opression politics in a country that violates human rights in such severe ways.

NEZEK’s refreshing, rigorously fluid sound is raw and frenetic at times, emotional and melodic at others; with some decent lyrics that balance between the personal and the political. Compared to the more posi/youth crew sound on their Taking It Back EP (2016), here the band adds a bit more depth, variety, and heaviness to their style, with dark vocals, groovy post-hardcore bites, and some heavy 90s hardcore breakdowns. If you are looking for an upbeat, eclectic take on hardcore that is also reminiscent of your favorite early Refused records, both in spirit and message, this might be right up your alley.

Overall, the record is extremely sincere and surprisingly well delivered by this gang of vegan straight edge kids from Haifa, who vent their frustrations in a really positive way. Don’t miss the chance to dance to these tunes. It’s fresh, new and exceptionally upbeat.