Kerach 9
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Kfar Saba, Israel |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Fate | Ceased activities; resumed in 2013 |
| Headquarters | Kfar Saba , Israel |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Kerach tesha (– "Ice-nine"; ) is a rock ensemble from Israel, originally formed in 1993 in Kfar Saba. The band ceased activities in 2000 but later resumed in 2013.
Formation
The band Kerach tesha came together when its members were 19 years old. Its name is derived from the concept of "Ice-nine," a fictional element found in Kurt Vonnegut's novel Cat's Cradle, known for its ability to freeze water instantly. In 1995, with producer Shai Lahav, they produced initial demo recordings and served as the opening act for Monica Sex. Their setlist also featured covers such as Yossi Banai's "I, Simon and little Moïse."
Commercial breakthrough
In 1996, Kerach tesha signed with NMC Music and released their first album The Beginning of The Right Life (Hebrew: תחילתם של החיים הנכונים) in 1997, produced by Moshe Levi and Asaf Talmudi. This debut included radio-friendly tracks like "Young Mothers" (אמהות צעירות), "Movies" (סרטים), and most notably "With Him Forever" (איתו לנצח), which stands out as the pioneering explicit Hebrew gay pop song. This particular track elevated the band’s visibility and appeared on the Israeli annual Hebrew song chart. Following this momentum, they performed alongside artists such as Aviv Geffen, "The Mistakes," and notably opened for "Suede," a group that heavily influenced them.
Their self-titled sophomore album arrived in 1999, featuring popular songs "Sun" (שמש) and "My Ex-girlfriend" (החברה שלי לשעבר). This record marked pianist Shlomi Shaban's debut outside classical music.
Last hit and break-up
In 2000, Kerach tesha released their final notable single, "Assaf Amdursky," telling the story of a woman enamored with the singer. Assaf Amdursky himself performed this song during his tour promoting the acclaimed album "Silent Engines" (מנועים שקטים). Shortly after this release, the band dissolved.
The group briefly reunited in 2001 for several live performances and recorded a new track titled "There's Not Enough Night" (אין מספיק לילה). Although it was never officially published, it circulates online as a bootleg.
Aftermath
Post-breakup, lead vocalist Noam Rotem embarked on a solo path, producing three albums: "Human Warmth" (חום אנושי), "Help Is On The Way" (עזרה בדרך), and "Iron and Stones" (ברזל ואבנים). Meanwhile, the other members formed a band called "The Koskim" (הקוסקים), releasing "Resting In Quick Worlds" (נחים בעולמות זריזים) with guitarist Ohad Koski taking on lead vocals. Rotem contributed as a songwriter and guitarist.
In 2005, The Koskim issued the album "Abramek," collaborating with HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed. This work incorporates poems by Abramek Koplowicz, a young Polish Jew from the Łódź Ghetto who was killed at age 14 in Auschwitz. Their standout piece "Dream" expresses his aspiration to experience the world at age 20.
International tour
Kerach tesha embarked on their inaugural international tour in Poland during 2014 to commemorate Abramek Koplowicz’s legacy. Performances took place in Warsaw, Łódź, Zduńska Wola, Oświęcim, and Kraków. At Oświęcim’s Life Festival, they shared the stage supporting Eric Clapton.
Film music
In 2014, their signature track "איתו לנצח" ("With Him Forever") was selected as the opening theme for the Israeli film series "שושנה חלוץ מרכזי" ("Shoshana Center Forward").
Band members
- Noam Rotem (נעם רותם): lead vocalist and guitarist
- Roy Hadas (רועי הדס): bassist and backing vocals
- Ohad Koski (אוהד קוסקי): guitarist and supporting vocals
- Uri Meiselman (אורי מייזלמן): drummer and cymbal player
Music production was handled by Moshe Levi and Asaf Talmudi
Discography
- 1996 – The Beginning of The Right Life (Hebrew: תחילתם של החיים הנכונים, "Tkhilatam Shel HaKhaim HaNekonim")
- 1999 – Kerach tesha
- 2000 – "Assaf Amdursky" (single), issued alongside a special edition of their second album