Probably the biggest surprise that I received from the Jerusalem-based band 'Eden Mi Qedem (http://www.edenmiqedem.com) is how much they sound like U2. Of course, a group of U2's stature is going to influence bands globally, but it wasn't what I was expecting from an outfit that, on the surface, seemed to be aiming for the world-music crowd. There are no rules in rock and roll anymore; predictability is thrown out the window, and we are all grateful for that.
If U2 were from the Middle East, then 'Eden Mi Qedem is what they probably would've resembled. It's not that 'Eden Mi Qedem are trying to be U2; that isn't the case here. However, the group's flawless mix of classic and modern rock aesthetics, not to mention the band's soul-stirring spiritual vibe, keep echoing U2 in my ears every time I listen to the "Desert Call" CD single. (All tracks can be found on their self-titled full-length.)
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Vocalist Samuel Nelson is certainly reminiscent of Bono. His big, passionate voice delivers poetic English lyrics without pretension and but with plenty of feeling. The title track, available here in two mixes, weaves stadium-filling acoustic guitars with Middle Eastern instrumentation. Even better are the bonus cuts, "Mazmuru Hamdin" and "Sof Davar," wherein Western and Middle Eastern pop culture clash in a colorfully spectacular fashion that redefines rock and roll, like crossing U2 with Dead Can Dance. Absolutely magnificent!
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