Kutiman Haraka/Khamsin

Kutiman joins Batov Records’ Middle Eastern Grooves Series with explosive double-sider
Batov Records is thrilled to announce the debut of pioneering producer, multi-instrumentalist, and multidisciplinary artist Kutiman on its highly collectable Middle Eastern Grooves 45s series. The release features two essential, souk-fuelled, psych-funk heaters: “Haraka” and “Khamsin”.
A prolific musical force, Kutiman delivers the goods on “Haraka” (“movement”), layering neck-snapping rock drums, irresistible psychedelic basslines, and haunting organ riffs, with microtonal-bending synths and tabla-inspired percussion.
On the B-side, “Khamsin” (“heatwave”) continues the trip with another heavy dose of Middle Eastern psych and funk, culminating in a blistering guitar solo in his signature Middle Eastern style by longtime collaborator Uri Brauner Kinrot (Ouzo Bazooka, Boom Pam), who also contributes beguilingly languid bass guitar riffs.
Both tracks showcase Kutiman’s distinctive ability to fuse regional traditions with modern grooves, marking a bold new addition to the label’s standout series.
Kutiman, born Ophir Kutiel, rose to global prominence with his 2009 viral project “ThruYou”, hailed by Time Magazine as one of the “50 Best Inventions” of the year. He has since released five acclaimed albums, blending Afrobeat, funk, jazz, ambient, and psychedelic influences into cinematic, forward-thinking productions.