Music
Sukhmani Debuts With Her Ethereal R&B Single “Divination”
Sukhmani explores the feeling of empowerment inherent to embracing the unknown in her whimsical, lo-fi debut, “Divination.”
Alt-pop singer-songwriter Sukhmani reflects on the experience of surrendering to the unknown in her debut single “Divination,” out October 22. Sukhmani delivers a gorgeous introduction to her complex artistic style on “Divination.” This lo-fi track – led by a melancholic drum loop – relishes in a simple, yet deeply emotional production. Steeped in delicate, bright vocal harmonies, Sukhmani mesmerizes listeners with her vocal performance from start to finish on “Divination.” Buttery electric guitar embellishes the serene instrumentation as it weaves in and out throughout the piece. The mysterious essence Sukhmani sought to capture with this track is undeniably expressed through this simple, yet harmonically colorful arrangement. This ethereal artist hopes “‘Divination’ becomes an anthem of self assurance for listeners in the same way it has for [her],” which led her to choose this track as her debut single. Fans can stream “Divination” on all major streaming platforms October 22.
“Divination” highlights the intrinsic courage and capacity to endure hardship that propels us forward in spite of our struggles. While this track showcases a subtle R&B feel, Sukhmani fuses influences from a variety of genres in her unique artistic expression. Sukhmani describes “Divination” as immersing listeners in “mystery and magic, as though suspended weightless among the stars.” Having pulled inspiration from the ‘Strength’ tarot card, the song calls on listeners to recognize the innate inner strength and knowing within all of us. The artist created an environment for fans to “feel the beauty and complexity of our experiences with no attachment to a destination.”
Sukhmani was born with a rhythm that is undeniable. Listeners feel the heartbeat of her music before realizing it is pulsing through their body. As one of the first female tabla players to emerge from the U.K., she has toured and recorded as a percussionist for years, playing on stage at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Sukhmani was born into a Punjabi immigrant family in the United Kingdom, and grew up in Leeds where she was surrounded by the sounds of her Punjabi Sikh family, the Afro Caribbean community, and the city’s thriving music scene. She now brings her rare understanding of rhythm and percussion to her own music, delivering sultry vocals over deep, driving beats.
Sukhmani has accompanied artists such as Ajeet and Snatam Kaur on tour as a percussionist, where she “brings deep beauty, passion, and artistry to her playing.” In her transition to singing and songwriting, Sukhmani’s music connects with and empowers listeners to be fully and unapologetically themselves.
Album Review
Block turns heartbreak into light on “Love Crash,” a raw journey through survival
Block’s sixth studio album, “Love Crash,” is a 10-track rock record that takes a human, quietly hopeful approach to heartbreak. Illuminated by openness, humor, and a surprising sense of joy, the album is a 32-minute, 45-second journey through grief, reflection, and emotional recovery.
With the first track, “I Thought I Won The War,” Block sets a tone of emotional ambiguity where wins are dubious, and wars within are still raging. “California Calls” wants to be far away, wants to go away, but memory tugs the other way. “Over And Over” is about cycles of emotion that keep repeating, even when you want to move on. “Firefly” offers a softer light, pointing to fragile hope in emotional weight.
“All In My Head” explores the inner turmoil of the mind, which is louder than the world outside. “Song To Jamie” feels like a letter written from regret and memory. “The Heartbreak Song” is a total embrace of emotional collapse, but it’s structured and honest. “Carly Says” is about the voices outside that inform the decisions inside. “No One Ever Taught Me How” emphasizes the lack of emotional experience and difficulty in dealing with emotions. “Still Life” ends on a quiet note of pause, as if everything has been dealt with but not forgotten.
The album was written from a dark place, and each song was a step to emotional healing. Produced by Chris Kuffner, with final mixing and mastering by ECR President Blake Morgan, “Love Crash” is a patchwork of imperfect moments, sewn together with honesty, of an artist processing pain while still reaching for the light.
Photo Credit: Dave Doobinin
Artist Spotlight
seeTrees embrace renewal and reflection on “Easy Times”
seeTrees are back with “Easy Times,” a meditative Americana-rock tune that’s like sunlight breaking through after a long storm. It’s based on the emotional reality of sticking with something and making amends, and it exploits the idea that relationships can survive a storm if you choose to recall what you initially fell in love with.
The song pulls from classic and modern Americana touchstones, reminiscent of the warm storytelling of artists like Wilco and Tom Petty, while carrying the atmospheric pull of artists like The War on Drugs and Ryan Adams. seeTrees’ vocals combine a lifelike, relatable texture with conviction. Their performances conveys clear emotions through an open, accepting view, which allows the newfound resilience in their lyrics to land naturally.
“Easy Times” captures a rare moment after a struggle has ended, when relief slowly replaces tension and possibility feels real again. seeTrees offers a song that is both personal and universal, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to rebuild something meaningful. “Easy Times” sees seesTrees as storytellers with a heart for emotion, a band whose sound is looking both backward and forward.
Photo Credit: Anthony Bradley
Connect with seesTrees on Website | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok
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