Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

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: 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 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: 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: 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: A collection of four old tracks and four brand new ones, 'Kokoro' is a cultural melting pot that sees Japanese belly dancer and singer Yurika Hanashima gently trilling over the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Afrobeat grooves of Israeli quartet Sababa 5. The fusion of East and West combines seamlessly, most notably on the title track 'Kokoro', filled with lyrical nods to the sky and the musical journey the two artists are embarking on together. The real highlight of this highly demanded release is the latter half, a collection of four tracks from Sababa 5 and Yurika's past - the standout being 'Nasnusa' from 'Tokyo Midnights', a popular track that has had recordings in Hebrew to fit demand. The strings feel perfectly calculated at every point, not even a slight misstep, whilst Yurika flawlessly serenades us, recounting memories of silhouettes against a sunset and sparkling tears gleaming by the coastline. This version is pressed on a sky blue transparent vinyl, reflecting the cerulean abstract window on the cover art.