BaBa ZuLa - ISTANBUL SOKAKLARI (1LP)

Nearly 30 years since their inception, the legendary Istanbul band Baba Zula remains the most experimental exponent of contemporary Turkish psych-rock; the sonic trailblazers of the internationally revered Turkish psychedelic scene that includes Altin Gun, Gaye Su Akyol, Lalalar and Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek. 

Baba Zula's shapeshifting, mind expanding music has brought them fans from all over the world, as well as visionary collaborators like dub master Mad Professor, drummer Jaki Liebezeit of Can and bassist Alexander Hacke of Einsturzende Neubauten (amongst many others). Their new album ‘Istanbul Sokaklari’ (Streets of Istanbul) is a kaleidoscopic musical homage to the atmospheres and mysteries of their hometown.

The record plays like a classic concept album, unfolding through a mixture of short ambient instrumentals, and pulsing, hypnotic long tracks powered by Turkish percussion, glitched electronics, deep bass, electric saz and Murat and Esma Ertel's dual vocals. It is a vivid and compelling album from a band that continues to show us the future.

1. Istanbul Express Divan Taksim 

2. Arsiz Saksagan (Cheeky Magpie)

3. Carsi Pazar Baglama Taksimi

4. Yok Haddi Yok Hesabi (No Limit No Calculation)

5. Bosphorus Cura Taksim

6. Pisi Pisi Halayi

7. Yapraklarin Arasindan (In Between the Leaves)

8. Guzel Bahce Taksimi (Beautiful Garden Taksim)