| Release Date: | 081426 |
| Currently: | Out of stock... OR coming soon - Check That Release Date one line up! (MM/DD/YY) |
| Please note: | LIMITED EDITION: Please e-mail us, with "Request to Order" in the subject line,, at [email protected] and we will get back to you with availability & current pricing |
August 14th 2026
Limited Purple Vinyl
Purple color vinyl. 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. Psychedelic soul, with touches of the Mediterranean coast and desert. 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. 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.
Track list: