Review: Various Artists - Batov Artists 3 (Batov Records)

So another stunning release from Batov Records and better than that, it's a nine track compilation of some of their biggest stars... but there's some even better news!

We've love a the sounds from Batov this year; from Eje Eje's 'Five Seasons' (see review HERE) who are represent on this album with 'Black Sea Majic (Autumn)' to some lounge samba for ya Jonny Trunk types with Moriah Plaza's 'Samba Moosh' (see review HERE).

The great news is that the Sandman Project (the Emanative / Jessica Lauren project) is here in the form of  Hamsa Remixes EP (see review HERE) and more proof that there's more to just 'middle eastern' grooves, Muito Kaballa's 'Luna' is 60s jazz proggy and middle eastern. 

Of course, the hous band/flag wavers of the label, Sababa 5 are represented with the new track, 'Aeolus' from the album Aspan' (see review HERE) but the album is all gems like this.

Oh! And the "even better news", this compilation by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi is on Bandcamp as a digital release as a "Thank you" for a mere £1.00 if you get in quick; indeed "Thank you" Batov Records and all the artists and fans alike.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Batov Artists 3

Release date: 15th December, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR090

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Eje Eje - That Rainy Dawn / Coral Sex (Single) (Batov Records)

You may recall that on the Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves compilation, one of the many stand out tracks was 'Saved From The Jazz' by Eje Eje (see review HERE).

Well, such was the response to that track, they've now got a 7" single with the 'traditional' funk of 'That Rainy Dawn' and the even more fantastic 'Coral Sex' - that strangely has the organ vibe of The Doors' 'Riders On The Storm' (a pretty rainy track itself!)

As part of Batov's 7" singles series, it's not one to miss out on.

Artist: EJE EJe

Title: That Rainy Dawn / Coral Sex

Release date: 9th June, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR079

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Middle Eastern Grooves (Batov Records)

Those that have recently picked up on Batov Records via the outstanding releases by the mighty Sababa 5 will be more than interested in this new compilation, 'Middle Eastern Grooves' celebrating Batov's history from 2015 - 2023 that's been selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi.

This 2xLP set will also appeal to a even wider audience as it features a mix of new and old plus some previously unreleased tracks; like a proper label compilation. 

It's great if you're into your World funk surf rock and it stretches further as there's lots of hip-hoppy/psych going on like the monsters 'Saved From The Jazz' by Eje Eje (can you be post-Bongo Rock? See review of latest re-issue of album that's now 50 years old, HERE) and Baharat's 'Parsley Disco' or the eastern edge, 'Nasnusa' by Sababa 5 featurig Yurika.

There's no Sandman Project (see review HERE) but you get previously released tracks from Kutiman, Sababa 5, Boom Pam (who have just released thier album 'Royal' just in time for Charlie III), Şatellites and the pop-cornesque 'Six' by Romano.

This is the kind of album that can change your summer holiday destination choice and puting your big toe into the sea/pool/waters of the Middle East (it's a big catchment area) or just catch DJ Kobayashi as he's regularly at trend hot beds like Brilliant Corners and Spiritland plus he's got a bi-weekly show on Soho Radio too!

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Middle Eastern Grooves

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: 2xLP / Digital / Bandcamp