BaBa ZuLa – İstanbul Sokakları (Glitterbeat, 2024)
BaBa ZuLa, Istanbul’s renowned genre-defying ensemble, returns with İstanbul Sokakları (Streets of Istanbul). Although they are sometimes marketed as world music, the group has wide appeal in rock and underground circles. They are well known for mixing traditional Turkish music with psychedelia and innovative electronic elements.
One of BaBa ZuLa signature instruments is the transfixing electric saz (lute), along with darbuka grooves, glitchy electronics, and powerful vocals from Murat and Esma Ertel. As co-founder Levent Akman states, “Many traditionalists prefer acoustic sounds, but we strive to break these boundaries.”
This recording leans heavily on the psychedelic rock side. Tracks like “Arsız Saksağan” (Cheeky Magpie), “Yaprakların Arasından” (In Between the Leaves), and “Yok Haddi Yok Hesabı” (No Limits No Calculation) spotlight the band’s hypnotic style.
On the other hand, heavy percussive undertones with electronic textures are seen in pieces like “Pisi Pisi Halayı,” where Esma’s powerful vocals meet an acid-house beat. Notably, BaBa ZuLa also modernizes the taksim, an improvisational Turkish classical form, by integrating synthesizers, redefining its characteristic drone sound.
İstanbul Sokakları also features fascinating field recordings made in various locations, immersing listeners in the city’s pulse. Indeed, you’ll hear music intertwined with sounds of train stations, bazaars, birds, and the Bosporus. As an example, songs such as “İstanbul Express Divan Taksim” and “Bosphorus Cura Taksim” evoke the city’s dynamic character.
Beyond musical innovation, BaBa ZuLa also conveys strong social messages. The lyrics address the challenges of global capitalism, corruption, rising authoritarianism, and cultural identity. “This album is not just for Turkey but for the world,” Akman emphasizes. “We need more political music to challenge rising fascism.”
Musicians: Osman Murat Ertel on vocals, electric saz, bağlama, synths, effects, field recordings, divan saz, cura, tzuras; Mehmet Levent Akman on machines, effects, spoons, cymbals, drums; Ümit Adakale on darbuka, def, dumbek, bendir; Esma Ertel on vocals; Olcay Bozkurt on double bass and electric bass; Veys Çolak on electric bass, electric guitar and vocals; and Korkmaz Çakar, field recordings.
It is important to note that the attention-grabbing digital booklet is designed like a black and white graphic novel.
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Buy İstanbul Sokakları.