Review of "Rise Above," Yaakov Chesed's Debut Album

Following hot on the heels of their breakthrough win in this year's Yeshiva University sponsored "Battle of the Bands," the up-and-coming Jewish rock group Yaakov Chesed has released its debut album titled "Rise Above." The Jewish rock genre has been steadily growing in recent years, with some of the biggest and most popular bands using their win at the YU "Battle of the Bands" competition to springboard into stardom. Blue Fringe and Omek Hadavar are participants in this trend. By all indications, Yaakov Chesed will soon be following in their footsteps to Jewish music fame.

Often enough, a new band will create a novel sound that is very appealing, generating album sales based on the popularity of its unique style. However, this can lead to stagnation or the need to reinvent that style when its newness wears off. One thing can be said about "Rise Above" is that it defies this stereotype by creating a multitude of different sounds. When I first listened to the album, I often wondered how it was possible for every song to sound so different and still remain enjoyable, but "Rise Above" really delivers through its variety.

The first track, "Shema," starts off strong with an alternative rock vibe, then shifts into a slower acoustic section. This trend interchanges throughout "Shema," creating an interesting balance of highs and lows almost like a sine graph, with energy slowly built up and then powerfully expressed. Given the overall trend in the song, the wordless vocal section that crescendos three fourths of the way into the track is particularly appropriate. It is easily seen why "Shema" is one of the more popular songs in recorded form and when performed live in concert. Of all the songs available, this was the best choice for the opening of the album. It definitely sets the pace for all the songs that follow.

"Yaakov Chesed" begins with an interesting drum solo that immediately distinguishes its rock style from the previous alt-rock track. The vocals are lively throughout and create a feel-good character to the song. I am not entirely fond of the Matisyahu inspired rap section that appears three-fourths of the way into the song, but it serves as a bold statement testifying to Yaakov Chesed's ingenuity in presenting a widely varied sound.

"Shalom" is pure pop-rock goodness. It is true that it utilizes an often found guitar chord (those familiar with Blue Fringe's infamous live medley will know what I am talking about), but Yaakov Chesed puts their own spin on it, creating a unique crowd pleasing sound. The energy produced in the live performance of this track is unbelievable and usually gets the entire crowd pumped up (and often on its feet dancing). The group Yaakov Chesed has managed to properly capture that same feel in their studio version, a feat not often accomplished with songs that are best performed live.

The fourth song concludes the opening set of faster songs, again shifting into an entirely different sort of music. The title track "Rise Above" begins with a very beautiful and stirring piano performance by the multi-talented lead singer of the band, Jake Polansky. The message of "Rise Above," namely, the quest for meaningful spiritual growth and the request from G-d for guidance, fits very nicely with the peaceful melodies of the song.

"The Ride" serves as Yaakov Chesed's personalized cover song (akin to Blue Fringe's "Hafachta" and Omek Hadavar's "Return Again" on their own debut albums). The original release of this song was 10 years ago on Soulfarm's (originally Inasense) first album. Yaakov Chesed has chosen to give the song a more Middle-Eastern vibe rather than mimic the Hispanic flavor of the original. To that they have added more soulful vocals, creating an entirely different feel to their version.

"Chasdei" is another upbeat rock song with a positive energy level throughout. The lyrics center on G-d's relationship to the Jewish People (and the world) as that of a caring and the protective Father. This optimistic and feel good theme is conveyed well through the tone of the musical accompaniment.

Another popular live song, "The Only One," starts off with a screeching electric guitar that is soon joined by an alto saxophone, the first appearance of a brass instrument on the album. While I am not a fan of this particular sound, it becomes more subdued as the song goes along. The saxophone is a refreshing change and adds a jazz-tinged feel to the song. The enhanced deep voice singer that joins lead singer Polansky at the end of the song serves as a bit of cute shtick for this fun song. The ending "na-na" section also fits well.

"Kol Yaakov" is the second slower song on the album, featuring a soft rock sound. The song speaks from the perspective of Yaakov Avinu who, knowing that prayer is his strongest weapon, prepares for his meeting with Eisav.

"Harmony" is a very beautiful ballad that speaks of the desire we all share for a peaceful future. I can only describe the sensation this song creates as an atmosphere of serenity, which greatly enhances the lyrics that present the listener with a vision of tranquility and freedom from all strife.

"So Cold" is another very creative thematic departure from the other sounds of the album. I really would not expect this sort of song to be on any rock band's album, and "So Cold" is a very pleasant surprise in that regard. It mixes a sort of soft rock with a very energetic swing sound. The lyric-less vocal section that appears a little over two minutes into the song is almost hypnotic.

"Cry Out" is another very pleasing ballad in the vein of "Harmony" and to a certain extent further develops the same theme. While "Harmony" presents the as of yet unrealized idealistic world of peace, "Cry Out" emotionally expresses the frustration with the current status of the world. Polansky really delivers in his performance as one who sees the societal ills of the world, and soulfully begs the listener to "hold on" with him for that better world that was envisioned in "Harmony." While it may have been interesting to have "Harmony" and "Cry Out" next to one another, the fact that they are broken up by "So Cold" allows them to be appreciated on their own merit. This song placement also removes the possibility of repetitive sound in the pairing up of those songs.