Middle Eastern psych, funk, disco, and Japanese folk and pop, converge to create a mesmerising 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 hypnotising 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; recently heard among a coterie of feted studio musicians for Mr Bongo signing Project Gemini. On A Flower Called Indica, Yurika’s Japanese vocal pays tribute to the ubiquitous allure of flowers, and the powerful bonds between friends, over Sababa 5’s psychedelic groove.
The second half of the record collects Sababa 5 and Yurika’s earlier and incredibly popular singles. The dance floor smashing Tokyo Midnight is an uptempo psychedelic funk ripper, whilst Nasnusa, with its walking bassline and nostalgic love story, is the biggest hit in Sababa 5’s repertoire thus far. Love in the moment is a recurring theme as the Crossroad Of Love (Ai no Kousaten) delivers another timeless moment of Mediterranean meets Japanese soul.
The attraction of Yurika's mesmerising 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.
Tracklist:
1. Empty Hands - あなたの両手に花束を
2. Kokoro - こころ
3. Halilim Halilim 情熱の浜辺
4. A Flower Called Indica - インディカの花
5. Tokyo Midnight - 東京ミッドナイト
6. Nasnusa - ナスヌーサ
7. Crossroad Of Love - 愛の交差点
8. Blue Universe - 蒼い世界
Please note that Kokoro - こころ (Vinyl LP) is currently not in store but is an imported title from an overseas supplier.
Most of the time it takes around 2-3 weeks for the item to arrive here and be sent out but it can take longer if there are any delays.