SATELLITES – Aylar – LP – Vinyl [MAR 7]

LP – Standard Edition Black Vinyl.

atellites blast back into orbit on Aylar delivering a bold evolution on the psychedelic folk-meets-groove sound they established on their acclaimed debut album.

Heavily influenced by the wave of psychedelic rock fused with traditional folk music that swept across Turkey in the 60s and 70s, atellites self-titled debut album received international acclaim. The record earned support from outlets such BBC Radio 6 Music and FIP in France, and were invited to record live sets for both Gilles Petersons Worldwide FM, and KEXP in Seattle.

Since their debut, atellites have evolved from a studio project into a full-fledged touring band. Over time, the lineup has shifted, enabling the group to recreate their studio sound live. Their expanded lineup now includes Tsuf Mishali on keys and synths, known for his work in proggy psych bands, and the animated Tal Eyal on percussion. Rotem Bahar has also stepped up as the bands full-time vocalist and frontwoman, adding a fuller, grittier edge to the groups sound. Behind the drumkit, Lotan Yaish brings dynamic energy to the rhythm section.

After two years of touring, this cohesive and reinvigorated lineup entered the studio with renewed purpose and closer musical bonds. Aylar (Turkish for moons or months) showcases more ambitious arrangements, extended compositions, intricate harmonies, and unexpected twists, reflecting the bands commitment to innovation and their passion for the original wave of Turkish psychedelic music.

The album opener, Tisladi Mehmet Emmi serves as a gateway to their expanded sound. This reimagining of a traditional Trklera Turkish folk song by the prolific saz-playing singer-poet Ak Ali Doantransforms it into a modern psychedelic funk masterpiece. Klugers saz and Mishalis synths intertwine seamlessly, underpinned by Ariel Harroshs infectious basslines and Yaishs dramatic drumming, all culminating in Rotems husky, emotive vocals. Lyrically, the track narrates two elderly men lamenting the state of the worlda timeless theme.

One of the albums standout surprises, Midnight Sweat reveals a darker, sultry side of the band. Rotem delivers a steamy late-night lullaby over a slinky disco-rock groove. Developed collaboratively, the track began as a sketch by bassist Ariel Harrosh, before Itamar added a melody and Rotem crafted lyrics in Turkish. The song tells a passionate love story, punctuated with sensual imagery.

Hot Jazz ventures into cinematic territory, as the band flexes their jazz and funk chops. The hard-hitting groove is destined to energise breakdancers. The balama and flute riffs, steeped in minor scales and modal nuances, infuse the track with a distinctive Middle Eastern character.

Elsewhere, Aylar delivers genre-bending highlights such as Gizli Ajan, which opens with a percussive intro reminiscent of the Incredible Bongo Bands Bongolia. This instrumental jam has become a live favourite. Yok Yok reinterprets an Erkin Koray classic with a prog-tinged punk-rock flair, transitioning through four distinct sections before concluding with a rousing 9/8 Zeybek rhythm.

The albums most ambitious cover is their cosmic folk-funk rendition of Hakki Bulluts ballad Ikmiz Bir Fideniz is followed by the original instrumental Be Karde (Five Brothers), a smoky, 5/4-time piece led by Itamars reverb-drenched balama.

The album closes with a dynamic duo: Zlf Dklms Yze a cosmodelic disco-fuzz take on a classic Trkler by Neet Erta, and Zlf B (Reprised), which deconstructs and reassembles the groove. Starting with a foreboding proto-metal pace, the track builds to a dramatic, high-tempo finale.

If atellites self-titled debut laid the blueprint for their sound , Aylar marks their transformation into a fully realised musical force. With this album, atellites step confidently out of the shadows of their Anatolian psych heroes to craft a modern yet timeless record, expanding their influences while deepening their connection to their roots.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Tisladi Mehmet Emmi
2. Gizli Ajan
3. Midnight Sweat
4. Bak Gr
5. Yok Yok

Side B
1. Hot Jazz
2. Ikmiz Bir Fidaniz
3. Be Karde
4. Zlf Dklms Yze
5. Zlf B (Reprised)

Rotem Bahar – Vocs
Itamar Kluger – Baglama
Tsuf Mishali – Keys and Synths
Ariel Harrosh – Bass
Lotan Yaish – Drums
Tal Eyal – Percussion

Recording – Pluto Studios, Itamar Kashri, Ran Livne, Itay Berkovich
Mix – Shuzin
Master – Harel Schreiber

Album Cover:
Creative & Art Direction – Daniella Meroz
Photography – Daniel Shiff
Graphic Design – Eden Kalif