Sukh makes his return with his distinctive blend of beautiful melodies, genuine lyricism, and reflective songwriting. Drawing inspiration from classic literature, cinema, and psychology, he weaves observational storytelling with a thoughtful and reflective perspective. His unique sound fuses elements from the atmospheric rock of The National, the optimistic energy of Vampire Weekend, and the emotional depth found in Jason Isbell’s work.
Much like a filmmaker, Sukh’s instrumentation varies widely, creating a rich auditory experience. For instance, his folk-inspired track “Kings” showcases gentle acoustic arrangements, while the indie-pop anthem “Flight” exudes an uplifting, carefree vibe. In contrast, the darker, cinematic rock tones of “Airborne” reveal his ability to create tension and emotional weight. Drawing from his experiences as a doctor, Sukh’s music thoughtfully explores the struggles and joys of the human experience, making it relatable to many. With his return in 2024, he is poised to share new music that resonates deeply with listeners, reflecting both personal and universal themes. Sukh’s dedication to his craft and his ability to blend diverse influences promise an exciting chapter in his musical journey, inviting fans to join him as he navigates the complexities of life through his art.
Sukh’s new album Heading East marks a departure from his previous record, Age of Strangers. This time, he embraces classic songwriting to create a reflective meditation on long-term relationships and companionate love. The album explores the challenges and joys of navigating life together, focusing on the deeper connection that follows the initial excitement of new love. After his previous, more introspective work, Sukh sought to create a more optimistic and uplifting record. Lyrically rich and emotionally raw, Heading East was produced by Sukh in collaboration with long-time partner Rox Capriotti from the band “Shape of Water.” Together, they crafted an album that delves into a timeless human experience. Interestingly, Heading East has two distinct versions. The original was recorded years ago but never released, as Sukh chose to revisit, rework, and reimagine the songs. Both versions are set to be released in the coming months, offering listeners two perspectives on the same journey, capturing the evolution of the music and the themes it explores.
The album is heavily reliant on lyricism, donning different stories on each song that comes with this album. This record holds eight songs in total, giving the listeners a worthy half-an-hour listening experience. This album is dressed in an indie-pop and country-dominating genre.
This record opened with the song Kind, a song about doing things to the ones you love and giving your everything because you don’t want to see them hurt again. In a vibey country tune, it perfectly welcomes you and gives the listener a hindsight of what’s to come in the next part of the album. It then transitions to For The Road, the album’s second song that retains the same jolly country tune while singing about wishing for one to not change whatever happens in the tomorrows to come. Shifting in a more mellow tone, we have Far for the third song. It sings about how love should be as worry-free and calm as possible, and if it ever becomes turbulent, the persona ensures the muse that they will always have a shoulder to cling to. Down to the first half of the album, we have Conquered for the fourth song. It feels nostalgic and light to listen to compared to the first three. It is perfect for a song situated in the middle of the album.
Proceeding to the other half, we’ll start with Love Atom. The title is the catchiest among all the songs in the album. Its opening is also a multi-layered vocals that captivate its listeners and make them curious about the entire song. Next is the song Faith, which delivers rich instrumental and vocals that guarantee a pull from the listening casuals. Home starts with a calming combination of keys and guitars, making you resonate with the title itself. The album concludes with If You Are. A mellow song that will make you feel the emotions it wanted to portray through its powerful instrumental arrangement and vocals. It is the perfect album ender because it makes one feel like ascending to another dimension.
Heading East is available to listen now on your favorite music streaming platforms! Make sure to let Sukh feel your support by following him in his socials, too!
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About the Author
Angel Mariah Rodiel – Mari to the people she’s fond of – is a BA Literature student currently studying in Central Luzon State University. Writing, arts, and music are some of the things she’s been most passionate about ever since she was a kid. Mari’s little dream is to build a band that will open for Paramore’s concert someday. Pop-punk and alternative rock are her comfort music genres, K-pop and J-rock comes close as third and fourth.
