* Photo by Dana Ram

Fusing the strains of the centuries-old traditions, modern and the experimental, the Israeli collective Panic Ensemble creates an intensely dramatic, cabaret-infused sound and an appealing theatrical atmosphere. Playing a wide range of instruments, such as viola, accordion, contrabass, keyboards and percussion, the eight musicians of Panic Ensemble mingle expressive Klezmer melodies with massive rock energy and jazz influences.

For the past years Panic Ensemble has been drawing great  attention in Israel. Blending rock with Jewish, classical and folk elements, Panic invites its audience into a novel and wondrous world of magic and excitement, for numerous fans who are enchanted and moved by the dazzling and moving songs. Performing in numerous and varied venues, Panic Ensemble appeals to many and various audiences. They have appeared in key rock clubs, dance concerts, as well as numerous festivals.

 The releases of their two albums have been met with extremely positive responses in Israel from critics, with much radio airplay nationwide.

Panic’s texts talk about relationships, fears, alienation and more.

The major part of the poetry is written by the internationally acclaimed poet Karen Alkalay Gut, born in London, raised in New York and now residing in Israel teaching poetry at the Tel Aviv University.

Yael Kraus, the lead singer, contributes her warm, soft, angelic voice, both vulnerable and powerful. Many songs are also accompanied by voices from the other members of the group.

Roy Yarkoni, the composer, arranger and pianist of the ensemble has extensive experience composing for theatre, dance and film, all of which is recognizable in the dramatic, rhythmic and visual music.

 

Roy Yarkoni – Piano, Laptop

Yael Kraus – Vocals

Galia Hai- Viola, voices

Noam Elron - Double Bass, Bass

Omer Hershman – Guitar, Vocals

Dirk Kunesch – Trumpet, Vocals

Ran jacobovitz- Drums, Percussion

Lyrics - Karen Alkalay Gut

http://www.panicensemble.com

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"...Emotion is given as much, if not more weight than precise musicianship. And in doing so, they’ve made one of the best art-rock records you haven’t heard this year."

Popmatters

"Fusing the strains of the centuries-old traditions, modern and experimental, Israeli collective Panic Ensemble create an intensely dramatic, cabaret-infused sound and theatrical atmosphere..."

aurgasem

"...The band reminds one of an octopus, its eight members, each one mastering his (or her) instrument with superb skill, to create a single split personality"

tinyways

"Panic Ensemble are not just a local Israeli indie band that imitate English bands. They are a band that mistakenly lives in Israel and make wonderful music, ingredients of which the best things are made of...perfect music, wonderful lyrics and an electric singer...it is a music ensemble that is comparable to any other modern British or American rock band"

http://www.gfn.co.il

"In a perfect world Panic Ensemble will be the most successful band in the world. Meanwhile they settle in a place of honor in the local Israeli Indie scene, and boast a halo of rare quality and originality"   http://afarkeseth.com

"Flying sounds like an ancient English song with a charming acoustic sound with the purified almost whispering voice of Yael Kraus"

 http://www.yosmusic.com

"The main asset of Panic is the  wonderful Yael Kraus...She has a strong, sexy and romantic voice, but what dominates in her voice is her ability to sing with a musical and textual intelligence  and offer the listener the possibility to truly believe in every bar and every note, every words and every emotion." http://raashlavan.wordpress.com