When Sasha Lurje and Ilya Shneyveys perform with their Yiddish psychedelic rock band Forshpil you're up for a a powerful sonic explosion far from the theatric nostalgia one could associate with Yiddish song. But when they perform as a duo, old Yiddish love ballads come alive in an intimate and touching setting (yet no less cutting edge then the rock band).
The songs, though a 100 (and more) years old, deal with the same problems as today - love, hate, heartbreak, sacrifice, long-distance relationships and mention things like (in no particular order) adultery, wedding, deadly curses, bachelor parties, beer, army draft, rivers, diamonds, gold, silver, musicians, shoes, doves, devil, angels and fish to name a few.
The deep and sometimes tragic lyrics of these songs are echoed by the intensity and drama of the performance. Traditional style of singing blends perfectly with the accompaniment of modern instruments, harmonies, rhythms and effects creating impressive soundscapes that engage international audiences young and old, Yiddish-speaking and not.
