Batov Vinyl & CDs

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: Batov Records have proven themselves juggernauts in their ability to stick to a theme; since 2016, they've kept up their Middle-Eastern grooves themed 45's series for a spate of over 13 releases. Les Dynamites and Radio Trip serve up their latest. Hailing from Jerusalem and Israel respectively, both bring influences from dubbed-out Mediterranean bass, Yemeni folk and trip-hop to each tracks, different in style but reconciled by these influences. What's more 'Oud Two' and 'No Oud' are intended as invitations to dance, with both bands intending their respective tracks as rallying calls for Israeli belly dancers and breakdancers.

Review: Sababa 5 have only just dropped their well-received debut album but now they are back with a quick follow-up in the form of this one. It's a pair of funk gems on a red hot 45rpm that again mix sup their own signature sounds of psych, surf, and funk with a subtle Middle Eastern twist. 'Funk #1' kicks off with snappy drums and electric bass and lush synths that take you to the Med, all finished with some fine solo guitar work. 'Funk 2' on the reverse then gets busier with a more frenetic rhythm that is doused in funky guitar licks and wild synths as well as a killer bassline and psychedelic organ chords.

Review: For those who've not previously encountered them, Sababa 5 are a "super group" of Tel Aviv-based musicians, most of whom boast Persian roots. Their music is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern music of the '70s and early '80s, and specifically Turkish psyche-funk. The band's latest seven-inch, the 10th instalment in Batov's killer Middle Eastern Grooves series, could well be their strongest single yet. A-side 'Pur' is funky and groovy, with the band adding wild, echo-laden Moog motifs, mazy solos and intoxicating guitar licks to a swinging, waltz-influenced groove. Flipside 'Backseesh' sees them move even further towards psychedelic territory, with delay-laden Middle Eastern synthesizer motifs and intense electric piano solos clustering around a Persian polyrhythm.

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.