A must-listen for fans of The Heliocentrics, Khruangbin, The Dap Kings, and Moğollar.
Sababa 5 return with Nadir, their first full album of new music since 2023’s Aspan. The Tel Aviv band deepens its signature blend of psychedelic soul and Middle Eastern rock into darker, more cinematic territory—championed by tastemakers like Gilles Peterson and Cerys Matthews. The title, Nadir—meaning both the lowest point and the spot directly beneath an observer—mirrors the album’s moody, introspective tone. It’s a journey through cosmic and earthly sounds, with swirling guitars, raga-like drones, and Arabesque organs evoking hazy barroom scenes and vintage film scores.
Standouts include “VU,” a smoky, rhythm-driven opener, and the title track, with Italian-Middle Eastern motifs and wah-wah guitar reminiscent of Poliziotteschi soundtracks. Lighter moments appear too: “Tell” leans into melodic Turkish ballad territory, driven by synths and an irresistible groove.
Nadir will be released on July 4th, 2025.
