Midnight Peacocks

Midnight Peacocks began in 2005, rising from the breakup of the Plastic Peacocks. The Israeli band is considered an alternative power trio, but its sound pulls from Arabic music, cabaret, hardcore punk, and sometimes a style called "circus-core." They have put out two studio albums through the independent label Earsay. In Israel, they have opened for Firewater, Mike Patton, and Dub Trio.

After the Plastic Peacocks split, two former members—bassist and vocalist Eitan Radoshinsky and drummer Hagai Fershtman—stayed together and brought in guitarist and vocalist Matan Ergas to form the new group. They went straight to Germany to record their first album, *It's a Brutal Machine*, released in 2006. It includes the songs "Brutal Machine," "Indian Sun," "Island of the Sun," and "Ganja to the Chairman." Later that year, Ergas left to focus on his punk band Got No Shame, and Ron Bunker, formerly of Squid, took over on guitar. In 2007, the band released *Shalosh* (Hebrew for "three"). This album is a concept piece split into three sections: a circus-core part, an oriental part, and an experimental part. Notable tracks include "Die," "Pussycat," and "Inside Outside." After that release, the band supported Mike Patton on his solo show in Israel, and in 2008 they opened for Dub Trio and Firewater. They have played extensively in Israel and Europe, making their first North American appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, in 2009.

The current lineup includes Radoshinsky (lead vocals, bass), Guy Shemi (guitars, since 2010), Yoav Zohar (drums, since 2011), and Yoni Silver (violin). Former members are Ron Bunker (guitar, vocals, 2006–2010), Hagai Fershtman (drums, percussion, 2005–2007), Matan Ergas (guitar, vocals, 2005–2006), and Hagai Shlezinger (drums, percussion, 2007–2010). Though often called a power trio, the group can expand to as many as twelve musicians and performers, including darbuka players, violinists, a saxophonist, and even a belly dancer. The best-known member of this extended ensemble is Hezzi Shohat, a friend of Radoshinsky who sings the song "Hasish."

The band's discography includes *It's a Brutal Machine* (2006), *Shalosh* (2007), and *Katastroffa* (2017).