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BATOV RECORDS

Les Dynamites

Uzi Kinrot / 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 Record. 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. On “Uzi Kinrot” and “Sea Gull”, the group pay tribute to the Mediterranean surf heroes who inspired them most. They continue from where the seventies funk leaning “Pop Oud #2” left off, going deeper, and reuniting the classic Mediterranean and American surf sounds with a fresh perspective, destined to earn themselves an even greater following.

    TRACK LISTING

    A1. Uzi Kinrot
    B1. Sea Gull

    Sababa 5

    Aspan

      Sababa 5 continues their musical journey following the success of their acclaimedself-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.

      In recent times, Sababa 5's talent has gained recognition on prominent French radio stations such as Radio Nova and FIP. Their tracks have become regular features on BBC Radio 6 Music, drawing the attention of notable figures and emerging talents like Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, Jamz Supernova, Gideon Coe, and Deb Grant. Leading music publication "Songlines" has praised the band's "slick precision" and the captivating elements they infuse, ranging from "Moog synth licks" to "flavors reminiscent of Wes Montgomery-style guitar."

      The album opens with "Wembley," radiating a summery festival vibe. The track kicks off with a distinctive guitar riff that drew parallels to classic stadium rock, inspiring its name after London's iconic ninety-thousand-seat venue. The track evolves with prominent organ and bass riffs, culminating in a surprising addition of an electric saz—a recent Istanbul acquisition—imbuing a Turkish touch that echoes the Indian sitar's influence on 60s rock, notably bands like The Beatles.

      "Fa Sol La" follows suit, named simply after its bass-led melody. The lively drumbeat and catchy riffs exude an upbeat energy that's bound to induce joyous reactions from listeners. Around the two-thirds mark, a dreamy guitarinterlude elevates tension before easing into a shift towards a more progressive and rhythmic direction.

      The title track, "Aspan," takes its name from a nonexistent storm. The song impeccably showcases the band's cohesion, with guitar, bass, drums, and organ intricately locked into a mesmerizing groove. The origin of the title stems from a misinterpretation of an upcoming storm named Alpis that proved to be milder than anticipated. The name resonated, resulting in several tracks adopting storm-related titles.

      Concluding the album is "Indra," a laidbackcomposition that stands as its most serene offering. This track's fusion of psychedelic folk rock is poised to capture the hearts of many, serving as a poignant postscript to the bittersweet conclusion of summer—a narrative of love discovered and lost.

      The expansive and captivating soundscape of 'Aspan' is set to attract a fresh wave of fans while fortifying the group's mastery of substantial grooves with a distinct Middle Eastern essence. With appearances already on European festival stages, the year 2024 holds great promise for Sababa 5, marking a significant chapter in the band's journey.

      TRACK LISTING

      1. Wembley
      2. Tri Li Li
      3. Fa Sol La
      4. Carmel
      5. Aspan
      6. Aeolus
      7. Barbara
      8. Alpis
      9. Indra

      Various Artists

      Middle Eastern Grooves (Selected By DJ Kobayashi)

        Batov Records is thrilled to announce the release of ‘Middle Eastern Grooves’, a double gatefold 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 favourites, new releases, and never- before-heard gems from some of the most talented emerging artists.

        TRACK LISTING

        1. Kutiman - Badawee
        2. El Khat - Ya Raiyat (Radio Trip Edit)
        3. Boom Pam - Uniton
        4. Baharat - The Egyptian
        5. Les Dynamites - Pop Oud #2
        6. Sababa 5 & Shiran Tzfira - Manginat Mahapeha (feat. Matan Caspi)
        7. Sababa 5 (feat. Yurika) - Nasnusa
        8. Sababa 5 - Baksheesh
        9. Eje Eje - Saved From The Jazz
        10. Yossi Fine & Ben Aylon - Peres
        11. Yuz - Galgalit
        12. Baharat - Parsley Disco
        13. Romano - Six
        14. Buttering Trio - Little Goat (Iza Ktana)
        15. Koy Kardeşler - Shürük
        16. Şatellites - Deli Deli
        17. Cherry Bandora – Esý


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