Sababa 5’s ‘Nadir’: A Psychedelic Descent into Cinematic Soul and Middle Eastern Funk

With the release of their fourth full-length project, Nadir, Sababa 5 deliver their most cinematic and compelling work to date. Out July 4, 2025 via Batov Records, the album marks a bold evolution in the band’s genre-defying sound—blending psychedelic soul, vintage funk, and Middle Eastern rock into a richly textured, emotionally resonant journey.

Now based in Paris, the globe-trotting ensemble dives into darker, more introspective territory with Nadir, a title that carries both astronomical and emotional weight. In astronomy, “nadir” refers to the point on the celestial sphere directly opposite the zenith—essentially the lowest point. In a metaphorical sense, it speaks to personal or collective lows, emotional valleys, and moments of reckoning. Sababa 5 channel this dual meaning into a soundscape that feels at once otherworldly and grounded, mystical and visceral.

The album opens with the enigmatic “VU,” a rhythm-driven track that immediately sets a tone of hypnotic suspense. Mysterious and sultry, it layers swirling guitars, Arabesque electric organ motifs, and trance-like drones in a nod to fellow musical explorers VuVuVu. The result is a smoky, cinematic funk track that pulls the listener into its hypnotic grip.

The title track “Nadir” deepens the immersion. Built on a brooding bassline and bathed in analog synth textures, the piece unfolds like a Mediterranean noir film. Psychedelic guitar flourishes and Middle Eastern tonalities add tension and cinematic flair, reminiscent of legendary soundtrack composers like Piero Umiliani or Stelvio Cipriani. It’s a moody, slow-burn groove that oozes drama and elegance.

Contrasting the album’s shadowier moments is “Tell,” a lighter, synth-forward Turkish ballad with a melodic, melancholic core. Drawing comparisons to the band’s earlier track “Aspan,” this song stands out for its subtle optimism and irresistible groove. It’s a refreshing exhale that still carries emotional weight—a shimmering piece of psych-soul with global influences woven through.

Nadir doesn’t shy away from its influences. Fans of The Heliocentrics, Khruangbin, The Dap Kings, and Turkish psych pioneers like Moğollar will find plenty to love here. Yet Sababa 5 are never derivative. Their sound is distinctive, cinematic, and deeply rooted in the intersection of tradition and experimentation.

With a growing international following and a history of standout collaborations with vocalists like Yurika and Sophia Solomon, Sababa 5 continue to impress tastemakers and adventurous listeners alike. Nadir is a triumph—an album that invites deep listening, rewards repeat plays, and expands the borders of modern psychedelic funk.