You wouldn’t think that Tel Aviv could be a hotbed of funk and afrobeat, but if this album is anything to go by then I’m booking my flight right now. Ophir ‘Kutiman’ Kutiel has already got a name for himself after working with Stephen Marley and Turbulence, and the track "No Groove Where I Come From" has got the thumbs up from no less than Gilles Peterson. This is his debut full-length CD and it’s a sordid, sleazy affair, with plenty of funky backbeats and irresistible psychedelic tunes.

1. Bango Fields
2. No Reason For You (feat. Elran Dekel)
3. Take a Minute
4. No Groove Where I Come From (feat. Elran Dekel)
5. Losing It (feat. Karolina)
6. Skit
7. I Just Wanna Make Love To You (feat. Chaka Moon)
8. Chaser
9. Once You're Near Me (feat. Elran Dekel)
10. Escape Route
11. Trumpet Woman (feat. Karolina)
12. Music is Rulign My World (feat. Karolina)
13. And Out

The powerful "Losing It" featuring Karolina with tough drumming, analogue keyboards and horn stabs is a full-on slice of funk.
While "I Just Wanna Make Love To You" is a great piece of late-night jazz noir, with bags of moody trumpet, interspersed with some psychedelic electric guitars. Like a vintage Isaac Hayes track, it builds slowly and oozes sensuality. This is definitely one for the ladies. Ding dong!

The fast and furious "No Reason For You", which features Elran Dekel is more Starsky and Hutch than Starsky and Hutch! "Chaser" has a killer retro vibe to it and "Music Is Ruling My World" is so soulful that it will definitely bring a smile to your face. "And Out" is a total tripping freak-out.

Amazingly, Kutiman played most of the instruments on this one himself, particularly as the whole thing has a relaxed, jamming feel to it. It’s weird, wonderful and totally memorable. This is psychedelic afrobeat funk at its best.

~ Jamie Hailstone

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USA release in 1st week of Feb. 2008 distributed by Ryko.

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