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LP
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BTR 093LP
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$28.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 6/7/2024
Sandman Project's long awaited debut album Where Did You Go? is a borderless amalgam of brass heavy sounds, a document of a band whose musical tendencies mimic their open-minded ethic where Ethio-jazz, Afrobeat, American soul music and psychedelic, Mediterranean funk traverse. Led by guitarist and composer Tal Sandman, Tel Aviv based Sandman Projects' last release was in 2018 on their debut EP, their only existing recording. Six years later and it is no surprise this expansive work is positively brimming with an ocean of ideas, rooted in jazz, exceptionally crafted and boasting a myriad of musical pivots with a subtle but crucial production and synth touch by producer Tomer Baruch. Absolutely key to this new recording and Tal's adult musical upbringing and education is the ongoing influence of saxophonist Abate Barihun, sometimes known as the Ethiopian John Coltrane who is an Ethiopian Jew who emigrated to Israel in 1999. Whilst he doesn't feature directly on the record, Tal has long been mentored and stewarded by him and she affirms that "his inspiration continues to play a crucial role in my creative process." And so, to the album's title track "Where Did You Go?" which oozes film-noir with Tal's omnipresent Tizta sound using the Tezeta scales from Ethiopia dictating the mood whilst synths transcend and build an immersive soundscape something akin to Mulatu Astake jamming with the Fleet Foxes with Brian Eno-esque electronic manipulation. The Sandman project line up comprises of five core musicians with Tal Sandman on electric guitar, Tal Avraham playing trumpet, Tal Eyal on percussion, Noam Cherchie on drums, and Ariel Harrosh on bass. Additional synth and organ provided by producer Tomer Baruch and guest vocalist Dafna Shilon joins on the album closer "The Other Side." Further vintage synth excursions repeat on "Cauda Equina," with Tal's heavy fretting giving the track a funk feel, and a dreamy one as the trumpet builds. Six years in the waiting, and with plentiful personal and collective transformation giving Where Did You Go? a deeper sense of geography and global nuance, the new sound of Sandman Project is rich, porous and dreamy and essentially, full of hope.
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12"
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BTR 096EP
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$20.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 5/17/2024
Singer, actress and cultural conduit for peace, Liraz releases a new collection of four songs, primed with an intensity and a raw musical revolt, energizing the Middle Eastern musical landscape, sung in Farsi and driven by her deep desire for positive energy and much needed global harmony and light. Co-written and recorded with Uri Brauner Kinrot (Ouzo Bazooka and Boom Pam).
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BTR 092LP
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$28.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 5/3/2024
Sun, sea, and surf rock converge with dreamy hypnagogic pop on Dmaot, the enchanting sophomore album by the guitar-wielding, vocal-harmonizing trio, Rasco. Named after Charlie Megira's acclaimed track "At the Rasco" and influenced by iconic artists like The Cramps, Beach Boys, Elvis, April March, and others, Rasco carefully extracts the essence and distinctive sound of sixties surf and garage bands and distils them into a modern and distinctly Mediterranean context. Electric guitarist Eden Atiya and bass guitar Gaya Wajsman first crossed paths in a smoky cave in Jerusalem, eventually teaming up with drummer Itay Hamudi to form Rasco. Rasco's hypnotic guitar and vocal-heavy sound have earned the group coveted opportunities to share the spotlight on stage alongside global psych bands such as Altin Gun, Boom Pam, and Messer Chups. Dmaot ("Tears") represents a significant evolution from Rasco's debut, showcasing a darker, and denser side with a shift towards the shoegazing sounds of the '80s. The album, produced by multi-instrumentalist Uri Brauner Kinrot, leader of Boom Pam, pioneers of today's resurgence in Middle Eastern surf rock and now labelmates on Batov Records, packs a heavier punch while maintaining Rasco's signature hypnotizing power. The album delves into dreamlike landscapes, capturing the essence of different scenarios. Dmaot explores the dichotomy between life in the city and life in the countryside. Eden notes, "It's definitely something to define our songwriting by -- the mix between electric heavier sounds and mystical, nature-inspired lyrics." Commencing with a chime-like guitar motif before the first heavy wave of shoegaze-like tremolo hits, "Layla" alternates with an almost Lynchian pre-chorus, whilst the song earworms its way to your brain. "Nahur Rau" almost screams "garage rock anthem" with its clap-accompanied beat group rhythm, and fuzz guitar riffs, but the energetic delivery is balanced by Rasco's laidback style. It would be remiss to omit mention of the group's incredible cover of Tears For Fears' "Head Over Heels," that seamlessly connects The Smiths, Julee Cruise, and the B-52s, in the group's own haunting style. Rasco is a genre-defying trio that transcends the boundaries of surf rock and psych, creating a mesmerizing blend of sound and emotion. Dmaot is a testament to their evolution as artists and their ability to weave a tapestry of sonic landscapes into their own world.
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7"
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BTR 095EP
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$17.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 4/26/2024
Sababa 5, the relentless explorers of Middle Eastern psychedelic groove, present their latest tracks "Bezani" and "Ashkamoni" on their sixth 45 for Batov Records. With two albums, an EP featuring vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and five highly collectable 45s under their belt, Sababa 5 have established themselves as trailblazers in the global grooves scene alongside the likes of Altın Gün, Yin Yin, and Misha Panfilov. Garnering support from esteemed DJs and institutions such as BBC Radio 6, Radio Nova, Songlines, and Star Wax, the band's innovative fusion of diverse musical influences continues to captivate audiences worldwide. "Bezani" transports listeners on a sonic journey with its electric synths and percussion-fueled 6/8 rhythm. Drawing inspiration from early electronic sounds and Persian folk, the track creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of genre blending. On "Ashkamoni," Sababa 5 showcase their versatility with a rockier feel infused with a rocksteady swing. The track's captivating melody builds dynamically, while the lead guitar and synth engage in enthralling solos, demonstrating the band's exceptional musical prowess. Sababa 5's collective experience backing a wide variety of international artists has no doubt driven their tight sound and ability to seamlessly fuse genres. With influences ranging from the world-renowned Funk Brothers, Wrecking Crew, and Daptones, to Middle Eastern psych, the band effortlessly blends diverse musical elements into their distinctive sound. "Bezani" and "Ashkamoni" mark another milestone in Sababa 5's musical journey, further solidifying their reputation as innovators in the world of psychedelic groove. Fans and music enthusiasts alike can expect to be enthralled by these latest additions to the band's impressive repertoire.
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BTR 089LP
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Popular brass-led ensemble, Kolonel Djafaar, unveil their second album Getaway, their first for Batov Records, seamlessly blending Afrobeat, Ethio jazz, and psych rock, whilst showcasing the band's evolution over the past couple of years. Having built a loyal local Antwerp following off of the success of their 2019 debut self-released album, Forgotten Kingdom, and growing reputation for electrifying stage performances, Kolonel Djafaar achieved worldwide recognition in 2021 for the Cold Heat EP on Batov Records. The group overcame busy schedules and frequent quarantine periods to hit the studio in February 2022 to lay down four tracks. However, the creative itch persisted, leading to an intense writing session in August, deep in the heart of a tranquil forest. From noon until midnight, the band immersed themselves in the creative process, embracing the freedom to make noise without restraint. Fueled by hearty breakfasts, unwavering focus, and the ambient clucking of chickens roaming the studio, Kolonel Djafaar crafted the majority of Getaway. This period marked a pivotal shift as a number of new band members joined just in time for the August sessions. Membership changes, including Emiel Lauryssen joining on trumpet, alongside guitarist Philip Matthhijnssens, the band's palette has broadened and new sounds are able to break through. From psychedelic rock and soul influence of the Daptone Records' affiliated Budos Band, surf rock ("Urban Dweller"), Morricone Spaghetti Western guitar, and Afro Cuban ("Kelmendi"), alongside the brassy Afrobeat and Ethio jazz vibes the group have been known for. Each track on Getaway holds a unique connection to at least one band member, and all benefit from a collaborative approach to songwriting. "Sparking Clover," an Ethio-inspired psych and soul groover penned by tenor saxophonist Doyin Smith, carries a poignant undertone inspired by personal loss, while psych rock leaning tracks like "Apologies in Advance" showcase the band's evolution and increasing professionalism in crafting a distinct sonic experience. The curious cover art depicts a lone individual heading down an empty city street towards a large mysterious glowing object, evoking the common emptiness and struggle of urban life, and the search for meaning or just something better. The band envision the object to represent this album, offering a beacon to like-minded listeners. Kolonel Djafaar invite music enthusiasts on an immersive journey, to Getaway, from the daily grind of life, on an album reflecting diverse influences and marking a new chapter in their musical exploration.
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BTR 088LP
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Acclaimed Tel Aviv bassist, band leader, composer and producer Shay Hazan radiates with musical diversity on Wusul, his second solo album on Batov Records. This groundbreaking musical odyssey artfully melds the enchanting sounds of Gnawa music, spiritual jazz, hip hop grooves, and electronic production, with a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African influences. The album's enigmatic title, "Wusul" (Arabic for "arrival"), celebrates the expected birth of Hazan's first born child, expected to arrive around the same time as this album. Fitting, given that the latter is the result of a transformative phase in Hazan's career, with many of the album's songs evolving and taking shape during live performances. Most notably, a majority of the musicians featured on Wusul are integral members of Hazan's live band, bringing a synergy and connection to the music that is palpable. Shay Hazan's creative process reveals a cross-cultural narrative influenced by his extensive travels, from Central America to Japan, where he encountered the rich tradition of Gnawa musicians in Tel Aviv. Wusul is an introspective journey through the intricate tapestry of musical influences that have shaped Shay Hazan's unique sound. While Western and Mizrahi pop have left their marks on the record, they serve as threads in a larger, more intricate musical fabric. Hazan's profound exploration transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together a rich sonic tapestry that defies easy categorization.
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7"
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BTR 091EP
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$15.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 2/16/2024
Les Dynamites make a jubilant return to Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves series of vinyl 45s with two irresistible instrumentals capturing the spirit of the Mediterranean surf rock renaissance, "Uzi Kinrot" and "Sea Gull." Comprising accomplished musicians Roy Bar-Tour, Atzmon Avrahami, and Adam Yodfat, Les Dynamites built themselves a strong following for their fresh blend of Mediterranean and classic surf rock with Balkan and Yemini folk, catching the attention of Middle Eastern groove connoisseurs Batov Records. Their debut single for the label, "Pop Oud #2," packed enough punch, and funk, for both psych fans and break dancers. Backed by a dubwise flip by digging pioneers Radio Trip, it received support from the likes of Juno, Monolith Cocktail and Worldwide FM. "Uzi Kinrot" takes its name from guitarists Uri Kinrot and Uzi Feinerman of Boom Pam, pioneers of today's resurgence in Middle Eastern surf rock. Ray Bar-Tour riffs like a Klezmer-playing Dick Dale over a Balkan sousaphone bass lines and snappy drum rhythms. Towards the end, Yemen Yehudith adds a special touch of traditional wailing, raising the excitement by another notch. On "Sea Gull", Les Dynamites pay tribute to Greek-Israeli guitarist and singer, Aris San, credited for being among the first to play the electric guitar like the six-stringed Greek bouzouki, and spreading the popularity of Greek and Mizrahi music. San's joyful and infectious style is bulked out by some Ventures-style grit, rock drumming and the Vox Jaguar, sixties style hammond, ready to uplift any hot and liquor-soaked dancefloor. Recorded in single takes with minimal overdubs, "Sea Gull" packs a powerful punch, avoiding the pitfalls of overthinking and multi-track re-recording. Recorded, co-arranged, produced, mixed and mastered by Uri "MixMonster" Wertheim of famed funk band The Apples, and obscure sample scientists, RadioTrip.
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7"
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BTR 079EP
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Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves 45s series welcomes the latest addition to its eclectic roster -- a two-track EP from Eje Eje, the psych and funk inspired project from Şatellites band leader and producer, Itamar Kluger. Featuring the tracks "That Rainy Down" and "Coral Sex," the EP showcases Eje Eje's unique blend of Middle Eastern melodies, soulful grooves, and psychedelic sounds. On the A-side "That Rainy Down," The electro baglama player takes the lead, building and building as if, "he is pushing himself to his limit", says Itamar, "seeking catharsis as he walks to the edge of the cliff with confidence", whilst a baladi rhythm plays like an immense march of drummers. On the B-side is the funkier "Coral Sex", which according to Itamar tells a story of a drunk tramp bothering the refined and self-important occupants of an exclusive hotel lobby. Reflecting this friction, the track juxtaposes a silky and sophisticated R&B sound, with loosely, or even drunkenly, played take on rebetiko, a traditional Greek music associated with the poorest of city dwellers, played on a long-necked Greek lute known as a bouzouki. As each track develops, new layers are revealed, inviting the listener to delve deeper. The effect is intentional. As Itamar says, "there is this kind of music that hooks you in a different way every time you hear it, different places in the songs lighting up in different colors, like slowly revealed layers. In our (Eje Eje) case, it is just such a hazed blend. It could make a very specific atmosphere, color a very specific movie scene that is lost in time or yet to be directed, or a very specific moment with your headphones on a long bus to the desert." Itamar Kluger is best known for his work with the Satellites, a six-piece band whose blend of Turkish folk and psych with funk and disco won them champions and listeners across the globe, from KEXP in Seattle to BBC Radio 6 Music, and FIP in France. Eje Eje's first 45 promises to be at least as quirky and original, if not more so, since the project is even more unshackled from traditional concepts of a band.
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BTR 086LP
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Sababa 5 continues their musical journey following the success of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, which fused deep funk and Middle Eastern grooves. Their latest offering, still under the Batov Records label, ventures into more explorative and experimental instrumental compositions. While evolving their musical direction, Aspan delves into the realm of psychedelic rock while retaining the essence of the band's signature Middle Eastern groove.
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LP
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BTR 085LP
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The cosmic force that is Brighton's Wax Machine return with The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On, a new album of lush, ambient and psych-toned folk that expands and unfurls across nine blissed out tracks, with Brazilian-born, Italian/English-raised Lau Ro continuing their personal journey with psychedelics and recently found obsession with water that has been heightened by a long overdue trip to Brazil. Teaming up once more with the London based, globally-looking imprint Batov Records, Wax Machine journey beyond the psych-folk universe, tapping into more ambient, classical, and world-folk sounds. Led by songwriter and singer Lau Ro, the recording sessions for The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On gave space to the musicians involved to express themselves, in part searching for the sense of freedom and organic looseness found on the records of Alabaster Deplume and Don Cherry. Recorded in their own studio, Lau Ro was joined by Ozzy Moysey, Adam Campbell, Isobel Jones, and Toma Sapir, with Marwyn Grace and Ella Russell involved for the choir parts. However Wax Machine very much remains a personal journey for Lau Ro, a vehicle for them, as their music always has been, to explore and connect with themselves and the outside world, as they continue to do so on The Sky Unfurls; The Dance Goes On.
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7"
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BTR 080EP
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Sababa 5 have demonstrated their special blend of Middle Eastern psych, funk and disco over a course of eights 45s for Batov Records, a collaborative EP with singer Shiran Tzfira, and an acclaimed self-titled album. Hot off the back of extended instrumental faze, covering their self-titled debut album, that drew comparisons to the Menahan Street Band, and a pair of essential 45s overflowing with funk, Sababa 5 hit the studio to cut a pair of killer songs with Turkish synth, electro and alternative pop sensation Canay Doğan. Currently a member of the jazz department at Istanbul University, Canay has been releasing her own songs since 2021. Known for her versatility not only as a singer but across keyboards, drums and percussion, she can be seen accompanying many artists on vocals and keyboards. The collaboration came about after Canay heard Sababa 5's "Nasmusa", delving deeper and noting the similarities with Turkish music she reached out to suggest they work together. Compounded by Sababa 5 already having a presence in Turkey, it was meant to be. Dreamy and melancholic synths meet gritty funk rhythms on "Bigâne". According to Canay, the song addresses issues around depressions about the relative meaninglessness of life, the emptiness of so many questions and answers, and the "variability of the truth". The urgent music of "Namdar" backs a paean to the fakeness of most friendships, and empty daily questions such as "how are you?", and how many so-called friends are in truth jealous and bitter. The deep and searching questions of Canay's lyrics give weight to the beautiful vocals that almost float over Sababa 5's compelling grooves. "Bigâne" and "Namdar" add another deadly string to Sababa 5's bow and are essential grooves.
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BTR 081LP
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Led by tenor saxophonist and composer Niklas Mündemann, Muito Kaballa are a collective based in Cologne. Originally started as a one-man loop station street show, the project has grown to be known for its eclectic and mesmerizing live show. Acting as the introduction to the musical world and lyrical narratives of the upcoming record "Like A River", the track, leans into the river theme, providing an all-encompassing, flowing journey. Tim von Malotki's percussive bass clarinet lines cut through the meandering wash of Benjamin Schneider's rootsy, highlife-inspired guitars and atmospheric piano flourishes, courtesy of Jan Janzen. Vocalist Nora Beisel floats across the arrangement, backed by emotive horn harmonies whilst reflecting on the change of path at the end of a relationship; a new orientation and course set. "Musically we tried to really engage with the river metaphor. We worked with all these 'water' sounds and effects that kind of produce this ocean vibe. As the song evolves, it also follows along this idea of a river that grows stronger and more dangerous as the current grows." An album focused on transitional moments in life, and separation from ingrained social ideals, Like A River is anchored around the three movements of "Like A River Parts I-III" which act as the record's source, middle and end point. Set to be accompanied by a film to which these movements are the score, it's an achievement of songwriting and collective arrangement, incorporating wide-ranging influences that span Afrofunk, Gnawa, contemporary jazz, and rumba. Whereas their previous albums have mostly linked to afrobeat, and addressed topics like social equality, racial politics and climate change, Like A River is a concept album that takes a more intimate, personal approach. "The album deals with transitioning and separations, taking on ideas like: at age 30 you should definitely have children, a house and a car, or ideas on how to live relationships and love. Separating from these ideas or overcoming them can be challenging..." Tracks such as "Like A River Part II" dip into swirling psychedelia centered around an explorative 12/8 groove, whilst "Carry Me" takes a subtle shift away from the '70s analog sounds favored by the band, combining full bodied synth soundscapes with euphoric horn arrangements. Not content with just its core members, the group also employ the skills of Belgo-Congolese vocalist Reinel Bakolé for "Let Go" and "All This While", further expanding their pool of influence into the world of future soul.
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7"
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BTR 077EP
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Sababa 5, Tel Aviv's funkiest export, upgrade their signature Middle Eastern psychedelic funk with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra's dynamic brass section, another essential 45 from Batov Records' Middle Eastern Groove series. Sababa 5 have created a modern sound, fusing funk, disco, and psychedelic rock with a wide range of Middle Eastern influences, culminating in last year's acclaimed self-titled debut album, named after their new studio address on the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, "Eilat 22" and "Elifelet 23" spring from the same sessions that delivered Funk #1/Funk #2 45 (BTR 076EP). Sababa 5's tight-as-ever instrumental grooves are enriched by the bright bass sounds of The Hoodna Orchestra brass section, comprising Bar Ashkenazi on trumpet, Eylon Tushiner on tenor, and Elad Gelert on baritone saxophone. Hoodna are renowned for their energetic take on Afrobeat, and have been touring and recording recently with Ethio jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, and here they supply a touch of JB's meets Africa '70 energy. On "Eilat 22" the Sababa 5 rhythm section of Raz Man on drums and Amir Sadot on bass is in full funk force, supporting a vibrant hook from the Hoodna brass section, leaving room for solos from guitarist Ilan Smilan and synth mage Eitan Drabkin, full of Middle Eastern flavor. On the flip "Eiffelet 23" grooves along like a Dap Kings funk nugget, except in this case there's room for Eitan to improvise across the jam with a microtonal organ sound reminiscent of legendary Egyptian musician Magdi elHusseini.
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BTR 073LP
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Batov Records presents Five Seasons, the debut album by Eje Eje, the brand-new solo project of Itamar Klüger of the Şatellites. A fresh and contemporary world incorporating the rich diversity of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean musical styles with psych, funk, dub, and other internationally known sounds. Itamar Kluger is best known for his work with the Şatellites, a six-piece band whose blend of Turkish folk and psych with funk and disco won them champions and listeners across the globe. With Eje Eje, Itamar brews a fresh blend of psychedelic rock and funk, incorporating a wide range of influences, from Levantine dabke, Persian bandari music played at weddings and other celebrations, the traditional "Khaliji" music heard across the Gulf, and Turkish traditional folk music, to the more international renown sounds of Afrobeat, Saharan blues, indie rock, electronica, and Jamaican roots and dub. Eje Eje's special blend of musical perspectives reflects Itamar's interest in humankind's subjective perception of reality, informed by national and global cultural movements and traditions, and insistence on collectively creating and sharing stories, at times to explain the unexplainable. Itamar noted the difference between the symmetrical Western concept of four seasons, celebrated by Vivaldi, versus the five seasons of the Chinese calendar, winter, spring, summer, end of summer, and fall. The end of summer is a short season, characterized by the elemental earth, the time of year when fruit fall and rot beneath the trees. Each of the tracks on 'Five Seasons' reflects the spirit of the season in which it was written, and the terrain that inspired it, from the arid, mountainous desert to the sleepy streets of Eje Eje's hometown of Haifa and the busy crowded streets of Jaffa, Tel Aviv, where he currently resides. Bass and percussion combine into a deadly groove on the lead single "Black Sea Majic", laying the groundwork for a mantra-like saz to lead the melody, accompanied by giggling synths, mimicking the sound of the woodwind Armenian duduk, building into a continuous trace, the beginning half forgotten and the end lost. Hearing it back, Itamar imagines a bustling market in a small town by the shores of the Black Sea. Recorded in spring, "Saved From The Jazz" provided the first taste of this new project, appearing on Batov Records' first full compilation of "Middle Eastern Grooves". A beautiful collage of guitar grooves over a deadly drum rhythm. This continues on "That Rainy Dawn", a winter piece that slowly evolves, featuring an electro baglama over an Egyptian baladi rhythm.
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BTR 072LP
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Boom Pam, widely renowned for their spellbinding Middle Eastern guitar music, have unveiled their highly anticipated fifth album, Royal. Celebrating their twentieth anniversary, the Tel Aviv based band combine cinematic atmospherics and high-powered surf rock on their first album for international ambassadors of Middle Eastern grooves, Batov Records. Over the course of eight thrilling tracks, Royal leads listeners on a topsy-turvy journey from Middle Eastern exotica to Spaghetti Western style scores, via scorching Mediterranean beaches. Highlights of the album include the surf-meets-Western delights of "Silver Lining", where irresistible guitar lines are piled high and topped with euphoric synths and rock drums, resulting in a timeless soundtrack for both headless nights in dive bars and heedless days at the funfair. "Juda" follows, a deadly combination of Zeppelin and Middle Eastern rock with subtle hints of synth funk. The track is named after living legend and Middle Eastern guitar hero, Yehuda Keisar, who also joins the band for this song, contributing a scorching solo. The thunderous guitar riffs are matched pound-for-pound by the irresistible percussive groove. Boom Pam "Rock the Casbah" on title track "Royal", revealing another card up their sleeve, as they transform a famous '80s Israeli radio theme into a disco-inspired super jam with a punk edge. The band maintain their reputation for first-rate and distinctive surf rock on the fast paced "Daber Yafé" and "Monsour". The sonic imprint is both warmed and widened by the rare addition of a tuba supplying the lower frequencies. Meanwhile, opener "Lava Tongue", and "Golden" emphasize the melodic side to the band, conjuring dreamy sunset mirages to hypnotize the listener. Boom Pam have established themselves as pioneers of modern Middle Eastern surf rock, combining sophisticated yet catchy guitar riffs, with roaring tuba basslines and fiery drums. In the past decade the band have frequently collaborated with and backed legendary Turkish folk singer-songwriter, Selda Bagcan, on stage and record, and performed at some of the world's most renowned festivals, including Primavera Sound, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and many more. An engaging listen from beginning to end, Royal is the perfect representation of Boom Pam's incredible 20-year journey, showcasing their superior skills in pushing the boundaries of their genre.
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BTR 034LP
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2023 repress. Originally released in 2019. Saadia Jefferson is a glorious act of vandalism on Yemeni traditions led by inventor, carpenter, musician, and composer, Eyal El Wahab. Dismantling lyrics, melodies, and compositions from Yemeni folk songs, El Khat delve into uncharted sonic territory updating Yemen's ancient culture. Using an orchestra of instruments old and new, many repurposed from junk objects and turned into instruments that sound similar to traditional Arabic and North African lutes and percussion, Tel Aviv based El Khat have imagined an indelible stamp of polyphonic, harmony soaked, pan-Arabic braindance. Hover over the tracks and you can pick out certain influences such as Omar Souleyman and dabkecfolk characterized by trance-inducing chants ("Wahed Mozawej"), the searing Ethiopique organ of Mulatu Astatke ("Ala Jina Nuhayiykum"), and the unashamedly sing-along choruses of Bowie or McCartney ("Balagh Al Achbaab"), but the over-arching concept within Saadia Jefferson is Eyal's sense of identity, or lack of it, as a Yemeni living in Tel Aviv. The album is the rewards of a self-imposed mission to discover Eyal El Wahab's Yemeni roots.
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12"
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BTR 050CLR-LP
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Kolonel Djafaar's Cold Heat packs a mighty punch, combining the irresistible charm of Ethio jazz and psych rock with the power of a big band brass section, that has made them a formidable live force across Belgium. As they come into their own cinematic sound, now is the time for them to be enjoyed more widely, thanks to masters of exotic groove, Batov Records. Kolonel Djafaar's debut release for Batov is an all-killer-no-filler EP. On "Bactrian Camel," the four-man brass section picks up a thundering groove, only for the organ-led rhythm section to answer with their own snaking retort. Joris Wendelen's electric guitar riffing adds a further Middle Eastern flavor to the stew. Written by trombonist Willem De Mol, who delivered the song after two months alone in Russia, "Lamentation" continues the Ethio vibe with a little Latin panache. The brass-led tone here is mysterious, the melody lingers. An almost surf-esque guitar solo transports the listener before the main groove on organ and brass recalibrates you to the solid rhythm. Comparable to, but distinct from, The Budos Band and Comet is Coming, the low-slung sounds of "Recording 68" in particular reveal Kolonel Djafaar coming into their own. The tempo drops, emphasizing the depth of the groove. The EP is appropriately closed in cinematic style on "The Heist". The pace picks up. Drums of death, in the mode of DJ Shadow or Unkle, hold up the distorted synths and that sharpest of horn sections. A song ready for the dirtiest of chase scenes. Cold Heat is suitably titled. Fast or slow, killer grooves that will take no prisoners. A taste of Kolonel Djafaar's power on stage and the clearest picture yet of their direction in sound. Cream color vinyl.
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BTR 071LP
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Brazilian soul, psych, bossa and jazz, reimagined from Berlin, via the Dead Sea, on Moriah Plaza's dreamy first album for Batov Records. Moriah Plaza co-founders Tamir Chen and Moosh Lahav first encountered and fell in love with the beautiful and hypnotic sounds of Brazilian bossa nova and samba as children in Tel Aviv in the nineties, via the many local bands and tribute groups that had sprung up since the first wave of bossa had hit swept across the world. Likewise they developed a fascination with elevator muzak, film soundtracks, and even the hotel pianist performing day-by-day in the lobby of the Sheraton Moriah where Tamir's mother worked, overlooking the Dead Sea. Relocating years later to the vastly different environment of Berlin, capital of a country that enjoyed its own Brazilian moment, Tamir and Moosh's shared passion for Brazilian music would encourage them to create their own songs inspired by the warm pulse of Brazil. The band was conceived by Tamir and Moosh in Solarium Studio, Berlin, from the broken fragments of their former shoegaze band, Soda Fabric. They would go on to write and record their debut album in close collaboration with two Brazilians and fellow Berlin residents, poet and singer Cecília Erisman, and singer, songwriter, synth operator and Tropical Disco Club founder Flavia Annechini. The album opens with "Desendereçada". Dirty drum machine beats thud away under flutes and extraneous noises and a spoken word commentary. The pace picks up on "Mais Amor". A beautiful Brazilian soul jazz number with a sublime vocal from Flavia Annechini that will surely appeal to the global dancefloor jazz scene. "Te Peço" draws you in deeper with sweetest jazz vocal over an irresistible bassline and bossa drums that transforms halfway through into a modern soul rhythm crowned by flute and horns. The Pharoah Sanders meets Ravi Shankar in Rio grooves of "Estelar" have that fresh feeling that will certainly appeal to fans of modern favorites Rebecca Vasment and Ruby Rushton. Next up, the mysterious "Lagoon de Merim" is practically two songs in one, the first half an atmospheric string-topped number somewhere between Arthur Verocai and Cinematic Orchestra, before snappy drums beats and playful organ chords introduce a slow brassy samba that fills the whole sonic room. "Teu Porto" is a must for all DJs, mixing calypso, highlife and house, lilting guitars and smooth vocals by Cecilia Erismann. The deep samba house grooves of "Samba Moosh" close us out. The rich blend of sweet vocals, soaring flute and gritty synths carry us off into the sunset.
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2LP
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BTR 070LP
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Batov Records announce the release of Middle Eastern Grooves, a double-LP compilation of standout tracks from the label's highly successful series of 7" singles released under the same name, hand selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi. Spanning from 2015 to the present day, the compilation features a mix of classic favorites, new releases, and never-before-heard gems from some of the most talented emerging artists. Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves 7" series have become staples in the sets of DJs looking to broaden their sets to incorporate psychedelic and Middle Eastern sounds alongside the familiar funk, jazz, and soul catalogue. The compilation opens with the desert funk sound of "Badawee" by the iconic producer and multi-instrumentalist, Kutiman, followed by the instrumental edit of "Ya Raiyat" by Tel Aviv digging pioneers Radio Trip. Other highlights include the deranged and spooky synths of "The Egyptian" by Baharat, a prime example of the label's core sound, the psychedelic Middle Eastern groove bomb "Deli Deli" by Şatellites, and "Nasnusa", Sababa 5's acclaimed collaboration with Japanese vocalist Yurika Hanashima. The compilation also includes some exclusive tracks, released here for the first time. Following their recent collaborative EP, Sababa 5 (BTR 065LP) back the newly discovered vocalist Shiran Tzfira with a simple but effective combo of synths and percussion on the haunting "Manginat Mahepeha". Şatellites band leader Itamar Kluger contributes "Saved From The Jazz" from his new psychedelic funk project Eje Eje. And finally, underground belly dancing princess turned Mediterranean psych chanteuse, Cherry Bandora, contributes the hypnotic "Esý". This first volume of highlights from the Middle Eastern Grooves 7" series offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of the label's sound and its place in the wider musical context. From surf rock to Mediterranean psych, this collection showcases the diverse and captivating sounds of the Middle East and its influence on modern music. When he isn't managing Batov Records, DJ Kobayashi can be found digging for grooves and melodies that stand out from the norm, and sharing them at the likes of Brilliant Corners, Spiritland, and his biweekly show on Soho Radio. His vast collection spans funk and beats from across the globe, and reflects, of course, a particular predilection for Middle Eastern grooves. Also features El Khat, Boom Pam, Les Dynamites, Matan Caspi, Yossi Fine & Ben Aylon, Yuz, Romano, Buttering Trio, and Koy Kardeşler. Gatefold sleeve.
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7"
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BTR 076EP
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This double-headed monster of a 45 marks a return to the band's successful run of sold-out 45s. Only interrupted last year by their first full length album, which cemented their reputation for crispy desert grooves that combine psych, surf, and funk with a Middle Eastern accent, and caught the attention of BBC 6 Radio Music icons Iggy Pop, Huey Morgan, and Cerys Matthews, and leading French radio station FIP and Nova Radio. On the A-side, the simply titled "Funk #1" packs a solid punch of skull-snapping drums and electric bass, Mediterranean synths and a healthy dose of JBs meet Omar Khorshid guitar, finally let loose for a hair-raising solo. On the flip, "Funk 2" picks up the pace with a frenetic drum rhythm, classic circling funk guitar, and crazed synths, held down by an irresistible bassline and psychedelic organ chords. Don't stop, pass go and collect the latest essential slice of wax from Tel Aviv's premiere psychedelic funk exports on Batov Records delectable Middle Eastern Groove series.
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LP
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BTR 065LP
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Sababa 5 finally delivers their long-promised, and self-titled album of original instrumentals, built around the band's distinct mix of Middle Eastern psych, funk, and disco groove. Sababa 5's knack for intricate grooves and catchy melodies have led to a series of acclaimed singles, from fresh takes on classic melodies to vocal collaborations, championed by the BBC's Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Gideon Coe in the UK, and Radio Nova and FIP, in France, whilst they gradually found their own contemporary sound, creating original music together that could stand up on its own across a whole album. Across these eight songs, the group blends the Afro disco, reggae, jazz, funk, and a plethora of Middle Eastern traditions, whilst traveling time and space, drawing a musical, cultural and geographical line from Somalia to Iran, via Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Turkey, from the late '70s and early '80s to today. Thus, Sababa 5 creates a unique psychedelic groove that builds on the approach that the likes of the Daptones have taken to working independently, writing, producing, and recording original music, with their own modern take on '70s soul and funk. Standouts include "Malca" (a girl's name that means "queen"). Built around broken synth lines, a languid East Africa meets Anadolu psych groove and vintage organ licks, the instrumental peaks a transformative chord change, shooting it into the stratosphere. The carnivalesque "Lizarb" ("Brazil" backwards), raises the tempo and temperature. The piece kicks off with a guitar-led call-and-response before a synth-led melody lifts everything to another level. Topped off before the end by a beautiful wah-wah meets psychedelic Mizrahi style guitar solo over a pulsating drum and groove line, demanding a physical response. "Habedil" ("the idiot" in Hebrew), is named for the innocent, child-like synths that lead off towards the start, whilst the bass and guitar riff repetitively, crafting an irresistible groove before dovetailing into an epic disco synth vamp. With this, their debut, self-titled album, Sababa 5 is ready to take a seat among the most exciting and original instrumental-based groups across the globe, with an exciting and distinct approach to groove, sound, and melody. For fans of: Surprise Chef, Sven Wunder, Yin Yin, The Soul Surfers, ATA Records.
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LP
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BTR 066LP
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Two decades since they formed in New York City and over ten years since their last album, Tel Aviv based quartet Shotnez are back with Dose A Nova, an album of ten exhilarating jazz filtered jams, with vibrations indebted to Tuareg desert blues, Ethiopian-jazz, 1950s Afro Cuban recordings, surf rock and folk from across the East Mediterranean basin. Featuring the original Balkan Beat Box, producers Ori Kaplan and Tamir Muskat alongside Uri Kinrot from Boom Pam and Itamar Ziegler from The Backyard, four musicians who are all producers and share love and deep connection to hip hop and jazz, Shotnez reunited in 2020 meeting up for improvised sessions and jams, once a week over a period of about four months at a carpentry turned music studio in suburban Tel Aviv. Downing MIDI cards, triggers and synths, the day-to-day tools for these four producers and picking up and playing their respective traditional instruments -- saxophone, clarinet, guitar, bass, percussion and drums -- the group was immediately liberated by the moment. In the middle of a strict lockdown, they had no preconceptions, no deadlines, no labels or managers knocking on the door. This was an opportunity to rebuild the camaraderie that developed on the other side of the world two decades back, to reconnect as brothers and seek a higher spiritual plane, all the whilst fully encouraging each other to express their diverse musical backgrounds channeled within, during their time apart. Dose A Nova is a smoky affair with jazz the common denominator through its ebb-and-flow. Oozing in globally recognizable grooves from Afrobeat ("Contagious") to Afro Cuban ("Shemesh"), its chord structures and scales from east and west insistently interweave rewarding the record with dynamic mood swings. There is a punked out, baritone sax inspired workout in "Gina", Middle Eastern traditions, claps and vocals combine on "Marhaba" and guitar and a heavy sax lick drives the surf sound of "Last Straw". Tamir and Ori, the drummer and saxophone/clarinet players have shared a massive part of their musical careers together. They have both been members of Gogol Bordello, lived in New York together for many years and in recent times have become, slightly unexpectedly, uber-hot property as their Middle Eastern bass heavy beats and saxophone riffs have been sampled for hugely popular songs such as Fifth Harmony's "Worth It". But with feet on the ground, back to the humble and cozy carpentry studio and creative nest of Shotnez, it's Kendrick Lamar they collectively turn to for inspiration, specifically to To Pimp a Butterfly. For fans of: Altin Gün, Satellites, Sababa 5, Balkan Beat Box, Gogol Bordello.
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7"
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BTR 067EP
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Middle Eastern groove masters, Sababa 5 take on the unthinkable for Batov Records. "Popcorn" and the "Birdie Song" are reworked into psychedelic dancefloor smashes laden with synths, surf guitars and Hammond licks. Tel Aviv based four-piece Sababa 5 naturally came together, having collaborated in so many key sessions and concerts, not only for the likes of Hoodna Orchestra, Tigris, and Kutiman Orchestra, but also whilst backing leading vocalists such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada, and Liraz Charhi. Following a string of sold-out 45s, championed by BBC Radio 6 Music DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Gideon Coe, the group have crafted a deadly pair of instrumentals that will trick your children into appreciating a killer rhythm and at the same time help you rediscover your inner child. Off the bat, "Popcorn" snakes its charm into your head with an off-beat drum and bassline pattern before "woosh!" The synths enter the fray and proceed to lay down the classic riff with maximum flair. On the flip, birdsong appears to herald "The Bird Song". Beautiful Hammond chords and guitars and another classic Middle Eastern rhythm build anticipation for the familiar melody, which lands with an almost jazz-like aplomb, showcasing some hip shaking percussion, courtesy of guest Matan Caspi on a darbuka drum, that will have you flying around the dancefloor. Far from just novelty cuts, these instrumentals are set to raise the levels of any party. Another essential 45 from Sababa 5 and Batov Records.
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12"
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BTR 063EP
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Sababa 5 sharpens their euphoric Middle Eastern psych sound into an infectious four-track EP, featuring vocal revelation Shiran Tzfira, recorded here for the very first time. Together they reinterpret the traditional Yemenite songs of Shiran's childhood into modern and irresistible blends of disco, funk, boogie, pop, and rock. Sababa 5 and Shiran bonded over a shared love of Yemeni folk songs and set out to rearrange them in Sababa's style, led by Shiran's striking vocals. An effect comparable to Altin Gün's modern take on Turkish songs. "Ya Hizali", sets the tone for the EP. Shiran's sublime vocals in Arabic Yemenite are supported by an exuberant yet subversive disco framework. The pace slows on "Ya Hiah", but the intensity doesn't falter. Far from it, the song's strong pop-like progression is balanced by an irresistible synth laced twostep boogie groove. Moving into the second half of the EP, sung in Hebrew Yemenite, "Sei Yona" pushes the rhythmic pulse into funk territory, with an afrobeat inspired bassline, whilst retaining that laidback, sultry feel encouraging dancers to lose themselves in the groove. "Sapari Tama" exhibits a step up in intensity, the closest song on the EP to an invitation to not simply dance but jump to the beat, laid of pulsing synth bass. Hints of Stereolab sojourned in the Middle East. On this, their first EP after a string of popular, sell-out 45s, and in collaboration with Shiran Tzfira, remarkably on her recording debut, Sababa 5 is destined to widen their growing fanbase even further with this incredible collection of songs. For fans of: Altın Gün, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, YĪN YĪN.
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12"
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BTR 051EP
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2021 release. Dreamt up in the 18th District, in a Paris squat, and realized back in her spiritual home, of Tel Aviv, Cloud Of I is Yuli Shafiri's first musical incantation. The EP, aptly entitled Gazing, comes from an artist who sees nature and earth as her biggest inspiration, and whose sound blurs somewhere between fuzzed out psychedelic acid folkery and layered electronic sweeps full of influences from the Middle East. Whilst only 27 years old she's well educated on music from far away places. Her mother's family is from the Iraqi-Jewish community of India and her father's family is Latvian and Lithuanian who came to Israel to founded a feminist agricultural Kibbutz called Kineret, on the sea of Galilee. So, it's no surprise to hear the journeying aspect of her songs as they grow and grow, sometimes growling, other times whispering yet always intent on climbing and descending. "I want the listener to enter an ecstatic meditative state," Yuli says, and that sense of out-of-body is alive on debut track "Sail Away" the first song from the EP taking cues from the ethereal, otherworldliness of Julia Holter and the global psychedelia of Goat, Khruangbin, or Altın Gün. It's a blueprint for the rest of the EP which is split between English and her mother Hebrew tongue. In Tel Aviv, Yuli used to sing and perform with a well-known band called The White Screen (who play a mix of psych-pop and art-rock) and in the last two years, up until 2019, she has been singing Turkish '70s psych with the band, Satellites. Asked about her recent dealings with inactivity and how she experienced 2020 she is serene and positive, having gone off grid with her contemporaries in a village in Israel where she kept creating and performing in the open air, under the stars, and around bonfires. The fire is most definitely burning. As Yuli looks ahead and dreams, we can enjoy this first foray that sees her literally reaching for the skies.
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