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IN STOCK
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ARTIST
TITLE
Kokoro
FORMAT
LP
LABEL
CATALOG #
BTR 098LP
BTR 098LP
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
8/2/2024
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Middle Eastern psych, funk, disco, and Japanese folk and pop, converge to create a mesmerizing new sound on Kokoro, Sababa 5 and Yurika's collaborative debut album for Batov Records, collecting four acclaimed singles and four brand new songs. Renowned for their innovative approach to merging Middle Eastern psych, funk and disco grooves, Sababa 5 found their perfect partner in Japanese singer and belly dancer Yurika Hanashima, who having graced stages dancing with Boom Pam and Ouzo Bazooka, found her own voice alongside the group, and together yielded hits "Tokyo Midnight," "Nasnusa," and "Crossroad of Love," earning accolades from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Jeremy Sole. In Kokoro, Sababa 5 and Yurika present a collection of tracks that transcend cultural boundaries and delve into the depths of human emotion. From the nostalgic romance of "Nasnusa" to the carefree "Halilim Halilim," each song on the album tells a story of love, sisterhood, and the journey of the soul. The title track, "Kokoro", which embodies the essence of the album's musical exploration, refers to the sky, the performers' journey together, and the moment. Psychedelic soul, with touches of the Mediterranean coast and desert. Opener "Empty Hands" explores Yurika's theory that "when you have empty hands you get everything", countered by the hypnotizing keys of Eitan Drabkin over an Afrobeat inspired groove, and bittersweet bassline from Amir Sadot. The playful and summery "Halilim Halilim" was inadvertently named by Dani Ever Hadani of Middle Eastern psych and surf rockers, Ouzo Bazouka, and alludes to how love enters and leaves our lives like the air blown through a flute. Ilam Smilan's exceptional guitar playing stands out, as does the unwavering groove and rhythm of drummer Raz Man. The second half of the record collects Sababa 5 and Yurika's earlier and incredibly popular singles. The attraction of Yurika's mesmerizing vocals over Sababa 5's infectious grooves is irresistible across Kokoro, and the album marks a significant milestone in both their musical journeys. As Sababa 5 continue to redefine their sound, and Yurika establishes herself as a vocalist of note, Kokoro stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the timeless bonds of music, love and romance.
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