Manchester-based singer-songwriter SUKH struck a special chord with me. A junior NHS doctor who happens to be passionate about music and writing emotional songs and thought-provoking lyrics… a true inspiration to look up to. SUKH has just released his latest full-length album named Heading East, and I’ll be breaking it down for you today.
The album opens up with Kind, a big and upbeat song that shows us most of the elements that Sukh loves to implement into his music: clean lead guitar melodies, effected guitars in the backing layers, upbeat energetic drums, and his sweet bright vocals. Sometimes, we can hear a double-layered vocal or a mini guitar solo, and it feels refreshing to listen to a musician who’s not as entirely predictable as mainstream music nowadays. The second song, For The Road, has more of an Americana vibe and some deeper vocal pitches from Sukh. There are some similarities to Country music and 60s rock, but you will notice that you can’t label this man to one genre tag or general style due to the versatile nature of his writing and his unique voice.
The third song, Far, shows some slower drums playing side stick and soft snare drums giving a soulful vibe, but they are coupled with ambient guitars usually found in Indie Rock and Alternative Rock (think Arctic Monkeys or The Black Keys). This song has a beautiful hook which makes use of Sukh’s richly layered vocals, making it my favorite song on the entire record. Conquered is another surprising song, because of its melodic and romantic synths…with super romantic lyrics and softer vocals to go along with them. Love Atom makes the most creative use of layered vocals on this album. The way every layer compliments and harmonizes with the other is very special, and the song’s atmosphere sounds romantic yet mature and powerful. The electronic percussion has a pumpy 80s vibe.
Faith continues with the 80s vibe, this time with a powerful bass guitar and big drum machines (or they could be live drums sounding like 80s drum machines); the way the piano is mixed with the guitars during the verses, and the refrain makes this a wonderful tune. Home is an ambient/atmospheric ballad with a calmer instrumental and a sombre atmosphere. The guitars on this one are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. The eighth and final track, If You Are, has an electronic/synth bass sound with Sukh’s ethereal chanting and a lot of falsetto to make for a dreamy sound that majestically closes the album.
In conclusion, this is a well-crafted record that draws influence from many different eras and many different subgenres of Rock, Blues, Country, and Americana. And while no two songs sound the same, you will find that Sukh succeeds in making a musical fingerprint that‘s unique and a sound that knows no rules or restraints.