Madison, Wisconsin’s Shtetlblasters do their own thing. Marrying an intense interest in Yiddish folk music with psychedelic influences, crazy electronic experiments and the desire to be as loud and raucous as possible, they create unbelievable live shows that get even New York crowds dancing. I saw them play a free set at on St. Patrick’s day at Mehanata, the semi-notorious Bulgarian bar on the Lower East Side where Eugene Hütz occasional DJs. The place has a dingy, Soviet Bloc vibe with hookah smoke obscuring the cramped little space between the stairs that acts as the stage, unserviceable little round tables, and bouncers who charge you to hang up your coat – which is mandatory.

Shtetlblasters completely killed. And while their Northeastern/Midwest tour is over, they left us with the beautiful gift of a new single. Two songs, “Elleh Chamda” and “Doha” are available as a free digital download from their bandcamp page. Mandolin player/guitarist/keyboardist Sam Harmet told me that they’re planning on releasing the a 7” of the pair ASAP, so you can pick up a physical copy soon. I am keeping my eye on Shtetlblasters, and I’ll definitely let you all know whenever the 7” comes out, and when their next live show is. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this Jazzercise-inspired music video of one of their older song, “Tantz Tantz Allemin” (“Dance Dance Everyone,” if I remember what my bubbe taught me) nearly as much as I did.

The Shtetlblasters – Tantz Tantz Allemin