You've got to admit, it's pretty rare having a rock album in your collection that references the Talmud. But that's exactly what the funky, modern-ortho band Blue Fringe has done on their new album "70 Faces." The name represents the Talmudic idea that there are many ways to view the same thing, an idea central to the band's philosophy.  The CD includes 10 original songs, including a Coldplay-esque "Av HaRachamim" (Merciful Father) and a funk version of "Shir HaShirim" (Song of Songs).

If you haven't heard of them before, you missed Blue Fringe's independently released album My Awakening (2003), which sold 13,000 copies. Dov Rosenblatt, the lead singer, joined forces with Chaim Danzig, the bassist, Avi Hoffman, lead guitarist, and Danny Zwillenberg, the drummer. Their goal was simple: to create a different kind of Jewish music than the "generic Jewish sound that usually includes a horn section, strings, keyboards and studio drums." According to Dov, "I'm not saying anything bad about that kind of music, but we wanted to create something different. A lot of our friends listen to secular music, and that's what I like--the Beatles, Counting Crows, Wallflowers and Dave Matthews." In fact, the band intentionally hired a producer who wasn't Jewish to ensure they wouldn't get a generic sound.

Adds Chaim, "We didn't set out to send a Jewish message. We just wanted to make good music. And our music should let you feel whatever it is you feel--love, encouragement, God, whatever."

My Awakening included Hebrew songs such as " Shma Kolanu" and "Ani Maamin," as well as English ones that talk about real-deal issues like Israeli bombings, Ben Yehuda, and the necessary "catch phrases for becoming 'a frum Jew.' One of Dov's favorite songs, "City of Gold," was written after waking up and hearing of yet another bombing in Israel. "I felt so helpless," he says. "I wanted to do something to help. But I also felt, like, what could I possibly do? So I just sat down and started writing."

While the group loves recording, Blue Fringe has prided themselves on being a live band and they love getting busy on the stage, whether it's for small Jewish camps or large clubs and college campuses. Based in New York City, Blue Fringe performs regularly on the east coast, including major NY clubs such as Irving Plaza, BB King's Blues Club and Makor.  Internationally, Blue Fringe recently toured South Africa, Australia, and the UK. The band has performed several concerts in Israel, including a recent "Rock n' Soul Festival" in Beit Shemesh that hosted 10,000 fans.

As for their new CD, they're definitely psyched: "We feel that we've developed and matured as a band," said Avi Hoffman, guitarist.  "We've written more sophisticated songs while trying to maintain some catchy and memorable hooks."

You can find 70 Faces at a local Judaica shop near you, or check out their website www.bluefringe.com for ordering instructions.

Michelle Cove is the former editorial director for JVibe.