Avihu Pinhasov Rhythm Club

Instagram @avihu_pinhasov

By Jordan at The Zion List

Avihu Pinhasov is an Israeli rock star who can only be described as totally unhinged. Since 2012, he and the Rhythm Club have been building a devoted following around one of the most distinctive sounds on the Israeli music scene.

Blending Middle Eastern folk, ska, Balkan music, and pop, Avihu Pinhasov Rhythm Club sounds like nothing else coming out of Israel right now. With catchy hooks, a killer horn section, soaring bouzouki riffs, and Avihu's commanding vocal delivery, it's absolute Israeli party music.

I first became aware of the band shortly after October 7th. As soldiers and reservists were being called up across the country, musicians began showing up at bases to support the troops with free concerts. Footage from one of Avihu's performances went viral after a crowd of soldiers became so whipped up that commanders were left dealing with the aftermath, introducing much of the country to an artist whose live shows seem to operate without any recognizable limits.

Pomp and circumstance aside, what keeps me coming back is the music itself. Some of the standout tracks are Yamim Yafim and my personal favorite, Baboon shel Yafo. The band even does a Middle Eastern rendition of Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child O' Mine that sounds like it wandered in from a desert caravan. Avihu's broken-English delivery on the track is both charming and slightly hilarious.

Of course, it would be impossible to talk about Avihu without mentioning the spectacle. His live performances have become increasingly absurd over the years, featuring outrageous costumes, elaborate stage productions, and the kind of unpredictable energy that makes every concert feel like it could go completely off the rails at any moment. In one recent performance, he was carried onto the stage atop a giant fruit platter, casually eating grapes while wearing nothing but a fig leaf. When he's dressed, it's usually in flamboyant cowboy boots and frilly western shirts, sporting aviators circa Pablo Escobar in 1987.

Yet despite all the theatrics, what struck me most at a recent concert was how little time Avihu actually spent on stage. He seemed far more interested in being in the crowd than above it, spending most of the show riding on concertgoers' shoulders and singing from the middle of the crowd. It became obvious that Avihu is a man of the people. You can't help but feel how much he feeds off his fans and how much they feed off him in return.

I'd recommend starting with the music. Put on a few tracks, watch a live performance or two, and before long you'll probably find yourself looking for tickets the next time Avihu Pinhasov Rhythm Club rolls through town.

At a Glance

Artist: Avihu Pinhasov

Location: Israel

Category: Culture

Sounds Like: Middle Eastern folk filtered through horns, bouzouki riffs, and enough energy to power a small city.

Start With: Yamim Yafim and Baboon Shel Yafo

Why It’s On The List: Because whether jamming out in the car or seeing him in live, you’re guaranteed a good time.

Listen: Spotify

Find Him: Instagram

Rock star. cowboy. legend.

@avihu_pinhasov

somewhere between outlaw country and tel aviv.

@avihu_pinhasov

Big hat. Bigger energy.

@avihu_pinhasov