Batov Vinyl & CDs

Review: Tension sees Ethio-jazz innovator Mulatu Astatke join forces with Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra, creating a vibrant fusion of Astatke's signature sound with the orchestra's Afro funk dynamism. This collaboration is a masterclass in blending classic Ethio-jazz with contemporary influences. The album kicks off with 'Tension,' a track that infuses Astatke's enchanting vibraphone with a powerful rhythm section, driven by Matan Assayag's energetic drumming and a compelling brass motif. 'Major' later introduces a joyous, swinging groove, showcasing the orchestra's chemistry and Drabkin's stellar organ solo. Tracks like 'Hatula' and 'Yashan' capture a blend of intricate melodies and traditional Ethio-jazz flavours, while 'Delilah' reverently nods to Mulatu's early Latin-jazz roots. The album concludes with 'Dung Gate', a slow, mesmerising piece featuring Birenbaum's layered percussion and the brass section's evocative presence. Tension stands out as both a tribute to Astatke's legacy and a groundbreaking exploration in Ethio-jazz, marking a high point in the Hoodna Orchestra's evolving sound.

Review: Mulatu Astatke's collaboration with Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra marks a vibrant reimagining of Ethio-jazz. The album, produced by Dap-King Neal Sugarman, showcases a blend of Astatke's iconic vibraphone with the Hoodna Orchestra's Afro-funk prowess. Opening with 'Tension', the track propels Astatke's signature sound into intense new rhythmic realms, featuring dynamic contributions from drummer Matan Assayag and a powerful brass section. 'Major' follows with a joyful swing, while 'Hatula' and 'Yashan' present diverse moods, from sultry to brooding, with impressive solos by organist Eitan Drabkin and baritone saxophonist Elad Gellert. 'Delilah' echoes Mulatu's Latin-jazz roots, with standout flute and guitar solos, leading into the album's closing track, 'Dung Gate'. This piece features a majestic brass and percussion finale, evoking the spirit of Sun Ra. Tension is both a tribute to Astatke's legacy and a bold new chapter in his Ethio-jazz journey, highlighting the Hoodna Orchestra's most compelling work to date.

Review: Childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet are the pair behind new duo Bolbec which debuts here with Victime De L'aube on Batov Records. Merging diverse musical influences-from spiritual jazz and folk to classical and electronic-they create an imaginary soundtrack akin to the works of Piero Piccioni and Michel Legrand. The album features the duo playing over a dozen instruments and all supported by the Nostalgia 77 rhythm section. The title, meaning "Victim of the Dawn," reflects the emotional journey from night to morning and the opening track 'Rue Nue' somas captures you. It hints at the album's mysterious tones, while 'Vengeance Tropicale' blends spirited jazz with joropo influences, 'Feuille D'orage' showcases bossa jazz, and "A L'instar Du Flair" offers a modal jazz journey reminiscent of Yusef Lateef.

Review: Tel Aviv-based band Boom Pan marks their 20th anniversary with an album that mixes up cinematic atmospherics and high-powered surf rock. It is their first for the Batov Records label and has eight tracks of global sonic tripping that go from Middle Eastern exotica to scores to an imagined Spaghetti Western and on to sandy beach parties by the Mediterranean. It's all made with a mix of catchy guitar riffs, tuba basslines and big drums that immerse you in engaging sounds and great musicianship that is always pushing at the traditional genre boundaries.

Review: Several years before Uzi Kinrot, we were lucky enough to attend a cultural exchange, of sorts, between Lithuania's burgeoning electronic scene and Israel's fertile alternative music community. The results were staggering, and in addition to presenting the Balkan state as an epicentre of leftfield dance, it also made a strong case for the Middle East as a hotbed for the kind of music makers destined to score some Quentin Tarantino or David Lynch movie. Back up to date, and Les Dynamites, whose reputation has long reached beyond their Jerusalem hometown, have returned to emphasise the latter point. Uzi Kinrot is a groove-packed double-A side that feels alive with energy, perhaps thanks to the single-take recording process. It's twangy, psychedelic, nostalgic and yet utterly timeless stuff that yearns to be heard on a beach while you hide from the heat of afternoon sun.

Review: Liraz's latest release Enerjy is a potent fusion of cultural activism and musical prowess. With four tracks sung in Farsi, she ignites a musical revolution in the Middle Eastern landscape. Collaborating with Uri Brauner Kinrot, the album pulsates with raw energy and a fervent call for global harmony. Liraz's vocals exude passion and purpose, serving as a conduit for positivity and light in tumultuous times. Enerjy is not just a collection of songs; it's a bold statement of resilience and hope, highlighting Liraz's unwavering commitment to bridging cultural divides through the power of music.

Review: Tel Aviv's premium funk exporters Sababa 5 have built their name on a Middle Eastern funk sound which now get embellished with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra's full-throttle brass section. On 'Eilat 22' they hold down a sizzling breakbeat groove and maintain their signature guitar twang and freaky synth flourishes underneath the bold horn stabs. 'Elifelet 23' is a lighter affair with some catchy licks and an insistent groove which doffs its cap to the JB's as a vehicle for their own synth flourishes and some big chops from the Orchestra.

Review: Leading Tel Aviv groove unit Sababa 5 are back in action with another crisply executed missive of psyched-up delights to get adventurous parties freaking out in all the right ways. The four-piece have earned their stripes backing singers such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada and Liraz Charhi, but here they go in hard on the instrumental with two old favourites given a distinctive new twist. 'Popcorn' sounds like you've never heard it before thanks to an offbeat rhythm section backing up that classic riff. Meanwhile 'The Birdie Song' gets embellished with actual birdsong and guest player Matan Caspi playing a darbuka drum, hitting the spot between novelty and serious musical chops in style.

Review: Sababa 5's latest release, featuring tracks 'Bezani' and 'Ashkamoni' on Batov Records, reaffirms their position as pioneers in Middle Eastern psychedelic grooves. With a discography boasting two albums, an EP with vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and several highly sought-after 45s, Sababa 5 continue to push boundaries in the global grooves scene. 'Bezani' takes listeners on a captivating sonic journey, blending electric synths and percussion-driven rhythms in a mesmerizing fusion of early electronic sounds and Persian folk influences. The track's 6/8 rhythm creates an immersive atmosphere that defies traditional genre categorisation. On 'Ashkamoni,' Sababa 5 showcases their versatility with a rockier edge, infused with a rocksteady swing. The dynamic melody builds tension, while enthralling solos from the lead guitar and synth highlight the band's exceptional musical talent. Drawing from their collective experience supporting various international artists, Sababa 5 delivers a tight sound that seamlessly merges diverse musical elements.

Review: Sababa 5 are a funk band from Tel Aviv who tap into their position in the Middle East to create a dynamic, outernational sound, and they're continuing a hot streak on Batov with this crucial collaboration with Turkish singer Candy Dogan. Dogan is currently a member of the jazz department at Istanbul University, and she sought out the band after hearing their music and noting its similarities to Turkish music. Already an alternative pop sensation on her own terms, Dogan slots into the Sababa 5 sound beautifully, resulting in a must-check 7" single that hopefully signals the start of an enduring partnership.

Review: Tel Aviv based four-piece and well regarded super group Sababa 5 joins forces with vocal revelation Shiran Tzfira who makes an appearance on vinyl for the very first time here. The resulting sounds are psyched-out Middle Eastern grooves that are hugely infectious. The tracks reinterpret the traditional Yemenite songs of Shiran's childhood and the results are modern mixes of disco, funk, boogie, pop, and rock. This is EP is a collision of cultures and musical styles that is sure to win all involved legions of new fans all over the world.

Review: 'Shehzadi' (which means "Princess") is an Indo-disco gem featuring Solomon's Hindi vocals over Sababa 5's blend of hypnotic drums, nice pulsing bass, bright electric guitar and sparkling synths in a minor key. It channels '80s nostalgia with a modern twist and so rather evokes a Stranger Things meets Bollywood-type vibe. 'Ranjha' (which means 'Lover') shifts to a Middle Eastern feel with synths that echo traditional instruments like the saz. The upbeat groove complements Solomon's dynamic vocals and is filled with hope while dramatic pauses and an exuberant synth solo from Sophia add extra flair to make for a compelling mix of emotion and energy.

Review: Israeli funk quartet Sababa 5 and Japanese singer-cum-bellydancer Yurika Hanashima join forces again on 'Kokoro', a combination of two song suites: four brand new concoctions and four beloved older tracks. Sababa 5's unique combination of Middle Eastern funk and Mediterranean rhythm makes a surprisingly sensational combination with Japanese Jazz-fusion sensibilities. Opening track 'Empty Hands' is a string-led proposition by Yurika: When your hands are empty, you hold everything you need. The guitars are expressive without overpowering Yurika's gentle vocals - it's the perfect track for a sunny drive home. The real selling point here is the clutch of tracks from Sababa and Yurika's storied past, namely 'Tokyo Midnights, a jangly, groove-filled song describing a smoke-filled, drink-fueled night through the capital. This version is pressed on classic black vinyl, but has been in high demand on the artist's own store - so act fast.

Review: Sandman Project's Royal Family EP blends West African rock psychedelia with Ethiopian jazz and is defined by its impressive improvisational vigour. Led by guitarist Tal Sandman from Tel Aviv's Jaffa, the instrumental group draws inspiration from Ethiopian jazz pioneers which is evident in tracks like 'Hamsa' with its evocative trumpet and moody Tezeta scale. Lead single 'Circles' exudes punk-like rawness with its gritty bass and driving rhythm. 'Savannah Trip' conjures Sun Ra in the Malian desert, offering atmospheric guitar explorations. Throughout all the cuts, Sandman Project's cinematic style invites listeners into a realm of playful melodies and mountainous textures.

Review: Satellites' self-titled 2020 debut album won plenty of plaudits, with critics the world over hailing the Tel Aviv-based band's blend of vintage, Turkish style psychedelic folk-rock and dancefloor adjacent grooves indebted to funk, soul and disco. Aylar, the six-piece's belated sequel, continues in this vein, with the band arguably being bolder with their musical choices. For proof, check the cosmic strut of opener 'Tisaldi Mehmet Elmi', a psych-funk transformation of a traditional Turkish folk song, the low-slung grooves and sweet retro-organ melodies of 'Midnight Sweat', the gritty, thrusting and hallucinatory 'Yok Yok' and the future dancefloor anthem that is psychedelic Turkish disco gem 'Zuluf Dokolmus Yuze'.

Review: Tel Aviv funk six piece Satellites are back in orbit, boldly moving the psychedelic folk-meets-groove sound they established on their eponymous debut forward on Lp number two. Drawing from the Turkish psychedelic wave of the 60s and 70s, their first record earned international acclaim, with support from BBC Radio 6 Music and FIP, as well as live sets on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide FM and KEXP. After two years of touring, the band entered the studio with a renewed sense of purpose and a tighter musical bond. The album opener, 'Tisladi Mehmet Emmi,' transforms a traditional Turkuler into a modern psychedelic funk masterpiece, blending saz, synths, basslines, and dramatic drumming, with Rotem's husky vocals narrating timeless themes of lament. 'Midnight Sweat' reveals a sultry side, with a late-night lullaby over a slinky disco-rock groove, while 'Hot Jazz' dives into cinematic territory, showcasing their jazz and funk chops. 'Gizli Ajan' and 'Yok Yok' surprise with genre-bending jams, while 'Ikmiz Bir Fideniz' becomes a cosmic folk-funk rendition. The album closes with a dynamic duo, from the cosmic disco-fuzz of 'Zuluf Dokulmus Yuze' to the dramatic finale of 'Zuluf B (Reprised).' Where their debut set the tone, this release marks their full transformation, confidently stepping out of the shadows of their Anatolian psych heroes to create a modern yet timeless record.