Deep, funky cuts from Yemen by way of Tel Aviv. Da'asa - The Haunting Sounds of Yemenite-Israeli Funk 1973-84 collects rare and unreleased material from the mid seventies to the early eighties, recorded by immigrants from Yemen, in Tel Aviv. The most recognizable track might be Tsvia Abarbanel's version of "Im Nin'alu." The 17th century Hebrew poem, made famous by Ofra Haza in the late eighties gets a completely different take with plenty of psych rock influence. But there's much more to dig into here; drum breaks, organ drones, heavy riffs, and plenty of funk flow throughout the compilation. There's a fuzz filed garage sound that all ties it together while melodic boundaries are blurred as Israel, the Middle East, and contemporary Western influences are blended for a unique and funky experience. Eight tracks in all. Released by Fortuna Records on black vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve with a sixteen page booklet.

• gatefold sleeve
• sixteen page booklet
• music label: Fortuna Records 2017

reviewed by Desert Dweller 06/2018