Muito Kaballa - Like A River

Acting as the introduction to the musical world and lyrical narratives of the upcoming record 'Like A River, the track leans into the river theme, providing an all-encompassing, flowing journey. Tim von Malotki's percussive bass clarinet lines cut through the meandering wash of Benjamin Schneider's rootsy, highlife-inspired guitars and atmospheric piano flourishes, courtesy of Jan Janzen. Vocalist Nora Beisel floats across the arrangement, backed by emotive horn harmonies whilst reflecting on the change of path at the end of a relationship; a new orientation and course set.

"Musically we tried to really engage with the river metaphor. We worked with all these 'water' sounds and effects that kind of produce this ocean vibe. As the song evolves, it also follows along this idea of a river that grows stronger and more dangerous as the current grows."

An album focused on transitional moments in life, and separation from ingrained social ideals.

'Like A River' is anchored around the three movements of 'Like A River I-III' which act as the record's source, middle and end point. Set to be accompanied by a film to which these movements are the score, it's an achievement of songwriting & collective arrangement, incorporating wide-ranging influences that span afrofunk, gnawa & contemporary jazz. Whereas their previous albums have mostly linked to afrobeat, and addressed topics like social equality, racial politics and climate change, 'Like A River' is a concept album that takes a more intimate, personal approach.

The album deals with transitioning and separations, taking on ideas like: “at age 30 you should definitely have children, a house and a car, or ideas on how to live relationships and love.” Separating from these ideas or overcoming them can be challenging. The outcome can be ambivalent as the separation of an idea also leaves you somewhat without orientation. It might still be necessary to go off the ‘straight’ road and follow a different path just like a river.

Tracks such as 'Like A River II' dip into swirling psychedelia centred around an explorative 12/8 groove, whilst 'Carry Me' takes a subtle shift away from the 70s analogue sounds favoured by the band, combining full bodied synth soundscapes with euphoric horn arrangements. Not content with just its core members, the group also employ the skills of Belgo-Congolese vocalist Reinel Bakole for 'Let Go' and 'All This While', further expanding their pool of influence into the world of future soul.

Led by tenor saxophonist and composer Niklas Mündemann, Muito Kaballa are a collective based in Cologne. Originally started as a one-man loop station street show, the project has grown to be known for its eclectic and mesmerising live show. The band have released three albums; 2019's 'Everything Is Broke', 2021's 'Mamari' and 2022's 'Little Child', building a steady fanbase and drawing critical acclaim from domestic press outlets.

Tracklist:
1. Like A River
2. All This While (feat. Reinel Bakole)
3. Luna
4. Like A River Part II
5. Let Go (feat. Reinel Bakole)
6. Carry Me
7. Once I've Learned
8. Like A River Part III

Various Artists - Batov Records Artists 2

For all of our dear fans out there, we’re thrilled to announce another release - the Batov Records Artists Compilation (VOL 2)! This one is a celebration of our artists; featuring a hand-picked tracklist from our selector-in-chief DJ Kobayashi.

We’re blessed with a fantastic roster here at the label, so narrowing it down to 10 tracks wasn’t easy, but we think this is a great collection and is just what Batov Records is all about!

The compilation features some of the hottest artists on the scene at the moment, including Shotnez, Sababa 5, Wax Machine, Shay Hazan, Şatellites, Romano, and more

The release date is also timed to coincide with a day of zero fees for artists on the Bandcamp platform, so this is another great way to show your support for your favorite artists!

Tracklist:
1. Shotnez - Contagious
2. Wax Machine - Face of All
3. Sababa 5 - Banga
4. Shay Hazan - Afrobeatz
5. Satellites - Hudayda
6. Kolonel Djafaar - Bactrian Camel
7. Romano - Fella Juicy
8. Cloud Of I - Sail Away
9. S H I R A N - Adamaa
10. Ayala (IT) - Fuse

Sandman Project - Hamsa (Remixes)

Batov Records revisit Sandman Project’s “Hamsa”, a standout and indeed addictively catchy track in their catalog that fused Ethiopian jazz with West African psychedelic rock, with four brand new remixes destined to battle for attention in DJs’ crates from a global array of Batov’s friends and family.

UK producer, drummer, and DJ, Emanative aka Nick Woodmansey, the artist behind critically acclaimed albums for the likes of Brownswood and Jazzman Records, transforms the original into hard grooving jazz jam, recording (and playing) the drums himself and inviting long-time collaborator and queen of keys, Jessica Lauren, to add her magic touch to proceedings and lay down a majestic Farfisa solo. Vince Vella provides the finishing touch, with an Afro-Latin kick, on congas, udu drums, and other percussion instruments.

Japanese producer and DJ, Koichi Sakai, long-based in London, where he participated heavily in the city’s strong Afrobeat and dub & reggae scenes, whilst studying and producing his own incredible electronic material, collaborating with the likes of celebrated Ghanaian percussionist and band leader Afla Sackey on Olindo Records. With great subtlety, Sakai transforms “Hamsa” into a mid-tempo house groove with lush synth chords.

Rounding off the package, Woxow, Italian DJ, producer, and boss of 45s label, Little Beat More, deftly transforms “Hamsa” into a dub meets boom bap odyssey perfect for losing yourself in for hours on a loop, whilst fellow Batov label mate Ayala gently recalibrates the track for maximum dancefloor effectiveness. With a touch of extra bass here and there and a steady rhythm that will tease and entice the most discerning of dancefloors.

With these four remixes, Batov Records give “Hamsa” the second lease of life it deserves and highlights the creative potential of Sandman Project, whetting the appetite for new songs. Moreover, the assembled remixes highlight a wide variety of talented producers with a keen ear for merging seemingly disparate sounds and are a credit to Batov Records’ curatorial instincts. 

1. Hamsa (Koichi Sakai Remix)
2. Hamsa (Woxow Remix)
3. Hamsa (Emanative Rework)
4. Hamsa (Ayala's Rhythm Mix)