Monica Sex
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Founder | Yali Sobol, Peter Roth, Yossi Hamami, Shahar Even Tzur |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv , Israel |
| Products | Alternative rock music albums and singles |
Monica Sex (; alternatively spelled Monika Sex) is a rock group from Israel known for their work in the alternative rock genre.
Origins and Wounds and Kisses (1993–1995)
Established in 1992 in Tel Aviv, the band was formed by vocalist and guitarist Yali Sobol, guitarist Peter Roth, bassist Yossi Hamami, and drummer/vocalist Shahar Even Tzur. Their name was inspired by a prominent female bassist from the 1980s punk ensemble "Hot Killer." Sobol took the lead role within the group and was responsible for writing many of their songs. After three years of live performances, their initial album Wounds and Kisses () debuted in 1995, achieving gold certification within five months. Four singles from this album received extensive radio play.
Move to the US and disbandment (1995–1996)
Following the release of Wounds and Kisses, Hamami left to explore fusion music. The remaining members moved to the United States as a trio, with Roth transitioning to bass duties. They briefly returned to Israel to open for Sonic Youth before heading back to the US, where they recorded several English-language tracks. However, challenges in adapting to the new environment contributed to their dissolution after roughly one year. Sobol returned to Israel; Roth became involved with leading Israeli bands; Even-Tzur stayed in the United States.
Reunion, Open Relations, Pets and pause (2000–2010)
In 2000, Monica Sex reunited to create their second studio album, Open Relations (, Yahasim Ptuchim). Organist Eldad Guetta participated in the recording sessions and subsequently joined the band. The album featured twelve new songs, predominantly penned by Sobol, and achieved commercial success comparable to their debut, producing several popular singles.
Their third record, Pets (, Hayot Mahmad), was released in 2002. After touring in support of this album, the band entered another period of inactivity between 2004 and 2010, performing only occasionally at events such as the annual Israeli Independence Day "Rock Atzmaut" concert.
Melody and resurgence (2010–present)
By mid-2010, following years of limited live shows and studio activity, Monica Sex announced intentions to produce a new full-length album.
Recording for Melody (, Mangina) was completed by October 2010. The lead single, "The Dress from Madrid" (, Ha-simla mi Madrid), was released to radio stations first. The second single, "Mangina," followed on 19 December 2010. The complete album was officially launched on 24 February 2011 during a special event at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv.
Current lineup
- Yali Sobol – lead vocals, guitar (1993–1996, 2000–present)
- Peter Roth – guitar and backing vocals (1993–1995, 2000–2001, 2009–present), bass guitar (1995–1996, 2001–2009)
- Shahar Even Tzur – drums and vocals (1993–1996, 2000–present)
- Seffy Efrati – bass guitar (2009–present)
Previous members
- Eldad Guetta – keyboards and organ (1993–1995), bass (2000–2001)
- Yossi Hamami – bass guitar and backing vocals (1993–1995)
Seffy Efrati
Seffy Efrati (; born 28 November 1975) is an Israeli bassist known for working with rock artist Aviv Geffen. He was formerly a member of the Israeli-British art rock project Blackfield, collaborating alongside Geffen and Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree. Efrati plays a custom-made left-handed Spector Bass.
He frequently performs across Israel and has contributed to recordings by Geffen, Hemi Rudner, Ninette Tayeb, Daniel Salomon, Ram Orion, as well as various alternative rock acts based in Tel Aviv.
In 2008, Efrati appeared in the mini-series "Ta'ase li Yeled" (Hebrew: תעשה לי ילד), directed by Yuval Schafferman for Israeli channel HOT3. He joined Monica Sex in 2010.