Kutiman joins Batov Records’ Middle Eastern Grooves Series with explosive double-sider

Batov Records is thrilled to announce the debut of pioneering producer, multi-instrumentalist, and multidisciplinary artist Kutiman on its highly collectable Middle Eastern Grooves 45s series. The release features two essential, souk-fuelled, psych-funk heaters: “Haraka” and “Khamsin”.

A prolific musical force, Kutiman delivers the goods on “Haraka” (“movement”), layering neck-snapping rock drums, irresistible psychedelic basslines, and haunting organ riffs, with microtonal-bending synths and tabla-inspired percussion.

On the B-side, “Khamsin” (“heatwave”) continues the trip with another heavy dose of Middle Eastern psych and funk, culminating in a blistering guitar solo in his signature Middle Eastern style by longtime collaborator Uri Brauner Kinrot (Ouzo Bazooka, Boom Pam), who also contributes beguilingly languid bass guitar riffs.

Both tracks showcase Kutiman’s distinctive ability to fuse regional traditions with modern grooves, marking a bold new addition to the label’s standout series.

Eje Eje, the orbiting side project of Şatellites founder and multi-instrumentalist Itamar Kluger, shares ‘Primordial Soup’, his second album on Batov Record, stirring an even wider pot of influences from East to West that defies genre.

Kluger first achieved international success with six–piece Turkish psychedelic rock evangelists, the Şatellites, whose enviable catalogue has won them support around the world, from KEXP in Seattle to BBC Radio 6 Music, and FIP in France.

Kluger launched his solo project, Eje Eje, with the 2023 ‘Five Seasons’ LP, playing the majority of instruments himself and refining his production chops. Kluger’s blend of traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music with psych, funk, dub, and beat production, culminated in strong support from BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, and Songlines.

Much like its predecessor, ‘Primordial Soup' was largely self-recorded by Kluger, blending meticulous studio work, recalling DJ Shadow or early Four Tet, with raw, expressive performances - mainly himself on strings, bass guitar, percussion, and keys, including a new recently acquired microtonal keyboard - perfect for exploring Eastern musical scales, plus musical friends such as drummer Raz Man of Sababa 5, Şatellites and Project Gemini fame.

Taking its name from the scientific theory on the origins of life, ‘Primordial Soup’ is as much about sonic experimentation as it is a metaphor for existence itself. For Kluger, the title represents both a philosophical question and a creative mission. “‘Primordial Soup’ is a scientific theory about how life began - thick mixtures of organic matter that, with the sun’s energy, formed self-replicating systems”, Kluger explains. “I still feel sometimes we are just some kind of walking soup bound by a skin balloon”.

The album mirrors this idea in its fusion of disparate elements - a bubbling mix of Turkish percussion, psych guitars, dub textures, synths, drum machines, and Middle Eastern musical scales - forming a cohesive yet unpredictable whole. “This album is also a thick mixture of many things, a primal fusion of sounds that exist together only in my imagination, with a potential to come to life”. Kluger began work on 'Primordial Soup' in October 2023, though many ideas had been gestating long before. The process was shaped by both creative compulsion and emotional necessity: “It was a very hard time. Making this album felt like something I had to do to stay sane. I hope it came out banging like my heart did at that time”.

Album opener, 'Oyun Çorbası' is a playful fusion of Turkish folk and indie rock textures. Its title is a wordplay on Oyun Havaları (traditional dance tunes) and çorba (soup), reflecting the track’s mix of influences. A tight, marshy groove from drummer Raz Man drives the rhythm, while a phased baglama riff leads, layered with swirling keys into a hazy, cymbal-driven bridge. Drawing on the spirit of Ottoman-era dance music but twisted into something uniquely modern, with a Stone Roses meets Turkish folk twist.

'The Bride' is a collaboration between Eje Eje and rising flautist, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Elad Kimhi. Inspired by Lebanese weddings, the track blends tradition with dancefloor energy. Known for his work with Firqat El Nur Orchestra, Sharif, among others, Kimhi brings a deep understanding of Mediterranean music, from Andalusian to Moroccan and Turkish. Middle Eastern synths fly across the funk driven groove, arguably like Omar Souleyman if he made boogie. Brighter in tone than much of the album, poppier but with a psychedelic twist, 'The Bride' was made with one thing in mind: parties. Similarly, the uptempo 'Puzmak' has a highly celebratory feeling and is set to wreak havoc on dancefloors and parties. Middle Eastern horns lead the track, but carried by heavy percussion, a solid bass groove, and subtle drum machine programming.

'Horrorizon', is heavy in almost every sense — dark, cinematic, and immersive. Relentless, languid drums, a hypnotic bassline, and harsh bouzouki textures create a foreboding atmosphere, evoking a deep sense of an ominous future. Think early DJ Shadow with a pile of Turkish psych wax. Kluger imagines it as a kind of “riding song” for “an old carriage wobbling its way down a muddy road into the unknown night”, recalling “the alertness in your guts that something isn’t right about where humanity is heading”.

From brooding cinematic rides to joyous wedding bangers, ‘Primordial Soup’ explores what it means to be alive, connected, and creative in turbulent times and cements Eje Eje as one of the most exciting voices fusing Middle Eastern traditions with cutting-edge beat culture. Whether on the dancefloor or in headphones, this is music that moves. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Oyun Çorbası
2. Dark De-Light
3. Houthiman
4. Baraca
5. The Bride (feat. Elad Kimchi)
6. Afternoon Glory (feat. Adam Balagan)
7. Horrorizon
8. Broken Reeds
9. Don't Ask (Rahbani Brothers Tribute)
10. Puzmak
11. Her Dad
12. Last Party Ever

Sababa 5 return with another essential 45 for Batov Records’ Middle Eastern Groove series. This time, they team up with two very different artists on two distinct tracks built from the same hypnotic groove: soulful Turkish alt-pop sensation Canay Doğan and reed flute specialist Itzhak Ventura.

After four albums and a strong run of 45s and EPs, plus support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, Gideon Coe and Jeremy Sole, Sababa 5 lay down a cinematic, slow-burning groove built for hazy summer days. Raz Man’s crisp drumming locks in with Amir Sadot’s psych-soul bassline.

On 'Gaip', returning collaborator Canay Doğan brings her emotive and distinctive voice, turning the groove into a deep psychedelic soul cut. The feel recalls the kind of Turkish soul Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) has helped craft with Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek. The title, borrowed from Arabic, refers to “the unseen” or “the unknown”. “This is our second time working with Canay”, say the band. “She brings bold energy, deep emotion, and a voice that really stands out in Turkish music”.

On the flip, 'Seher' takes the same groove somewhere else entirely, featuring the haunting tones of the ney – a reed flute found in Persian, Turkish, Jewish and Arabic music – played by Itzhak Ventura. 'Seher' means “dawn” in Turkish, and the track captures that quiet, mysterious moment before sunrise. “That feeling is deeply present in this track”, say the band, “stillness, awakening, and a touch of mystery”.

Though they share the same root groove, 'Gaip' and 'Seher' explore different moods and textures – two individual pieces that complement each other while standing firmly on their own. Another essential addition to the Sababa 5 catalogue.

TRACK LISTING

1. Sababa 5 & Canay Doğan - Gaip
2. Sababa 5 & Itzhak Ventura - Seher (Instrumental) 

Psychedelic dub, Afro-Latin rhythms and cosmic grooves come together on La Chooma’s self-titled debut for Batov Records. Drawing on Moroccan Gnawa, Colombian cumbia, Afrobeat, Jamaica dub & roots, and cosmic jazz, the six-piece ensemble create deep, hypnotic music rooted in global traditions and shaped for contemporary dancefloors.

Having already captivated local audiences with their hypnotic, organic live performances, La Chooma – now a six-piece ensemble – have been steadily building an international following. Initial singles 'Magic Plant' and 'Huachuma' earned support from tastemakers including BBC Radio 6 Music’s Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft.

'Magic Plant' distills the band’s signature blend of hypnotic grooves, lush percussion and woozy synths, like Jimi Tenor lost in the Colombian Amazon. A dreamlike, dub-infused trip driven by organic rhythm and cosmic textures. 'Huachuma' picks up the thread, fusing Afrobeat percussion, swirling basslines and psychedelic flourishes into a hallucinogenic jam made for a tropical dancefloor.

'High Grow' conjures images of The X-Files set in Addis Ababa, with Ethio- jazz-style synths dancing and tripping across a relentless Mulatu-inspired bassline and Afrobeat drums, all drenched in foreboding dub delay. Perfect for dark, smoke-filled rooms in the small hours.

Like the lost child of Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids and The Comet Is Coming, 'Lonely' hits like a sledgehammer of cosmic synth funk and intense Afro- rock drums, riding an acoustic bassline that breaks into a frenetic solo after a minute. The drums constantly threaten to overwhelm, but open up for the spiraling synths to peak half way through the track. 'Cozumel' follows seamlessly, moving to a slightly slower groove built on a deep electric bassline and irresistible four-to-the-floor Afro-Latin rhythms. Synths rise in harmony with the haunting call of the hand-carved Egyptian kawala flute as the energy builds in the third minute before the tension finally releases. There’s something in the music’s spiritual core and soulful presence that recalls the groundbreaking work of Jamaican legends Count Ossie and Cedric Brooks, who fused jazz with Rastafari drumming.

La Chooma draw dotted lines across time and space, finding hidden connections and shared frequencies, pulling threads together into a sound that hypnotises the mind and moves the body.

TRACK LISTING

1. Magic Plant
2. High Glow
3. Huachuma
4. Praise
5. Rhinno Dance
6. Lonely
7. Cozumel
8. Gamal Gadol
9. Cookie Crumble Cumbia
10. Veggie Berber Boy

Following three acclaimed albums, a string of sought-after 45s, and collaborations with vocalists including Yurika and Sophia Solompon, championed by esteemed tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, and Jeremy Sole, ‘Nadir’ finds Sababa 5 at their enigmatic and irresistible.

Sababa 5's latest album, ‘Nadir’, delves into a darker, more sophisticated, and cinematic fusion of psychedelic soul and Middle Eastern rock. The title, Nadir, is an astronomical term referring to the point on the celestial sphere directly beneath an observer, diametrically opposite the zenith. Metaphorically, it signifies the lowest point or a moment of adversity. This duality resonates with the band's exploration of contrasting musical themes—melding the cosmic and the terrestrial, the ethereal and the grounded.

The name encapsulates the album's essence, reflecting a journey through deep, introspective soundscapes that are both otherworldly and rooted in raw, earthly grooves.

‘Nadir’ opens with 'VU' - close to four minutes of mysterious, darkly seductive, rhythm-driven funk. Swirling guitars, an Arabesque electric organ, and raga-like drones evoke the haze of a smoky Cairo bar, while the track nods to their close musical kin, vuvuvu, whose raw, noisy, and playful energy has rubbed off on the band.

The title track itself conjures the sultry ambiance of a Mediterranean night, plunging listeners into a realm of intrigue and intensity. A brooding bassline sets a suspenseful tone before a synth-led melody, laced with Italian motifs and Middle Eastern tonalities, unfolds— recalling the cinematic flair of soundtrack legends like Piero Umiliani and Stelvio Cipriani. Subtle wah-wah guitar accents add a psychedelic touch, echoing the acid rock elements of classic Poliziotteschi scores.

However, not all tracks dwell in darkness; 'Tell' sports a brighter tone reminiscent of ‘Aspan’. Leaning into Turkish ballad territory - except with synths taking the lead part - it is both melodic and melancholic, buoyed by an irresistible groove that offers a refreshing counterpoint to the album’s shadowy moods.

A must list album for fans of The Heliocentrics, Khruangbin, The Dap Kings, and Moğollar.

Nadir stands as Sababa 5’s most compelling and listenable offering yet - a transcontinental journey where hypnotic grooves, cinematic arrangements, and evocative Middle Eastern scales create vivid imagery, compel movement, and touch the soul.

TRACK LISTING

1. VU
2. Zenith
3. Descent
4. Nadir
5. 2025
6. Tell
7. Atom
8. Ignition
9. Sab
10. Timor
11. Into Orbit

Ouzo Bazooka enchant on 'Kapaim', drawing listeners through a maze of hypnotic, head- snapping grooves, cosmic string bending, and swirling guitar explorations. As trailblazers of the new Middle Eastern psychedelia movement, the band fuse traditional folk sounds with gritty soul, funk, and rock. Their latest release is a testament to their boundary-pushing spirit, offering a soundscape that is both otherworldly and deeply rooted.

TRACK LISTING

1. Asia
2. Home
3. Kapim
4. Layla
5. Seeds
6. Sufa
7. Abbatoda
8. Maagalim
9. Soff

Renowned for their instrumental releases that fuse traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern music with psychedelic rock, funk, and disco, Sababa 5 have also pushed boundaries in collaborations with vocalists such as Shiran Tzfira, Yurika Hanashima, and Inbal Nur Dekel. These efforts have won them support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, and Jeremy Sole, on BBC Radio 6 Music and KCRW. Now, the band joins forces with Sophia Solomon for their latest musical exploration.

Born in Bengaluru, South India, and trained in Hindustani classical music in Mumbai, Sophia Solomon is a versatile, multilingual singer, recording artist, and live performer, drawing inspiration from Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle. A standout moment early in her career - a global tribute to Mahatma Gandhi - ignited her passion for bridging musical traditions across cultures.

'Shehzadi' (Princess) is an Indo-disco delight. Solomon’s Hindi vocals soar effortlessly across Sababa 5’s finely balanced arrangement of hypnotic drums, pulsing electric bass, fanning electric guitar, and sparkling synths in a beguiling minor key. There’s a strong hint o 80s nostalgia with a contemporary shine, evoking a Stranger Things meets Bollywood charm.

'Ranjha' (Lover) takes on a more Middle Eastern feel, with synth notes that undulate with longing and emotion, reminiscent of traditional instruments like the saz or baglama. The upbeat groove pairs seamlessly with Solomon’s dynamic, hope-filled vocals. Well-timed pauses add dramatic flair, while Sophia’s performance allows space for an exuberant synth solo.

This exciting collaboration marks another bold turn for Sababa 5, infused with new life through Sophia Solomon’s artistry. 'Shehzadi' and 'Ranjha' represent a fruitful exchange of cross-cultural musical exploration, destined to be played on repeat far and wide.

TRACK LISTING

1. Shehzadi
2. Ranjha 

Şatellites blast back into orbit on 'Aylar' delivering a bold evolution on the psychedelic folk-meets-groove sound they established on their acclaimed debut album.

Heavily influenced by the wave of psychedelic rock fused with traditional folk music that swept across Turkey in the 60s and 70s, Şatellites’ self-titled debut album received international acclaim. The record earned support from outlets such BBC Radio 6 Music and FIP in France, and were invited to record live sets for both Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, and KEXP in Seattle.

After two years of touring, this cohesive and reinvigorated lineup entered the studio with renewed purpose and closer musical bonds. 'Aylar' (Turkish for “moons” or “months”) showcases more ambitious arrangements, extended compositions, intricate harmonies, and unexpected twists, reflecting the band’s commitment to innovation and their passion for the original wave of Turkish psychedelic music.

The album opener, 'Tisladi Mehmet Emmi' serves as a gateway to their expanded sound. This reimagining of a traditional Türkülern - a Turkish folk song by the prolific saz-playing singer-poet Aşık Ali Doğan - transforms it into a modern psychedelic funk masterpiece. Kluger’s saz and Mishali’s synths intertwine seamlessly, underpinned by Ariel Harrosh’s infectious basslines and Yaish’s dramatic drumming, all culminating in Rotem’s husky, emotive vocals. Lyrically, the track narrates two elderly men lamenting the state of the world—a timeless theme.

One of the album’s standout surprises, 'Midnight Sweat' reveals a darker, sultry side of the band. Rotem delivers a steamy late-night lullaby over a slinky disco-rock groove. Developed collaboratively, the track began as a sketch by bassist Ariel Harrosh, before Itamar added a melody and Rotem crafted lyrics in Turkish. The song tells a passionate love story, punctuated with sensual imagery.

'Hot Jazz' ventures into cinematic territory, as the band flexes their jazz and funk chops. The hard-hitting groove is destined to energise breakdancers. The bağlama and flute riffs, steeped in minor scales and modal nuances, infuse the track with a distinctive Middle Eastern character.

Elsewhere,' Aylar' delivers genre-bending highlights such as 'Gizli Ajan', which opens with a percussive intro reminiscent of the Incredible Bongo Band’s 'Bongolia'. This instrumental jam has become a live favorite. 'Yok Yok' reinterprets an Erkin Koray classic with a prog-tinged punk-rock flair, transitioning through four distinct sections before concluding with a rousing 9/8 Zeybek rhythm.

The album’s most ambitious cover is their cosmic folk-funk rendition of Hakki Bullut’s ballad 'Ikmiz Bir Fideniz' is followed by the original instrumental 'Beş Kardeş' ('Five Brothers'), a smoky, 5/4-time piece led by Itamar’s reverb-drenched bağlama.

The album closes with a dynamic duo: 'Zülüf Dökülmüs Yüze' a cosmodelic disco-fuzz take on a classic Türküler by Neşet Ertaş, and 'Zülüf B (Reprised)', which deconstructs and reassembles the groove. Starting with a foreboding proto-metal pace, the track builds to a dramatic, high-tempo finale.

If Şatellites’ self-titled debut laid the blueprint for their sound , 'Aylar' marks their transformation into a fully realised musical force.With this album, Şatellites step confidently out of the shadows of their Anatolian psych heroes to craft a modern yet timeless record, expanding their influences while deepening their connection to their roots.

TRACK LISTING

1. Tisladi Mehmet Emmi
2. Gizli Ajan
3. Midnight Sweat
4. Bak Gör
5. Yok Yok
6. Hot Jazz
7. Ikmiz Bir Fideniz
8. Beş Kardeş
9. Zülüf Dökülmüs Yüze
10. Zülüf B (Reprised)