“Heading East” by SUKH is like an unexpected turn on a familiar route, where something bright and entirely different awaits you. SUKH has always been known for his melancholic approach, but here he’s done something radically different: he’s pushed the usual dark aesthetic to the background and turned towards something lighter, almost hopeful.

“Heading East“ is literally immersed in bright, almost hypnotic melodies. It’s as if you’re walking along a winding path surrounded by green fields, where time slows down, and the space is filled with soft chords that calm and gently lull you into a light trance. Amidst this serenity, SUKH begins to explore what might seem like the simplest yet most complex subject — love. Here, he reflects on all its nuances — from the breath-catching intensity of infatuation to the feeling that gradually transforms and flows into friendship.

photo by Joe McAdam

This album doesn’t feel like a love drama — it’s something more mature. That feeling, which I’d call the central axis of the album, runs through “Heading East.” There’s no sense of haste here — every instrumental break feels deliberate, as if SUKH wanted to give each chord time to settle and reveal itself at its best. It’s a smooth, airy journey through all the shades and nuances of love.

The opening track, “Kind,” immediately sets the tone with its bright rhythm and gentle atmosphere, where shimmering guitar chords intertwine with SUKH’s soft, almost tender vocals. This song captures the first steps of love — the excitement and joy, like watching the early moments of a new romance where everything seems so perfect.

“Far” is a true gift for those who love to slow down time. With its slow, almost swaying rhythm, this ballad feels like a reflection in the glow of the setting sun. The lyrics are simple yet strike deep, creating an atmosphere of tenderness and melancholy, allowing you to pause, take a breath, and forget about the world for a few minutes. It’s the kind of track you want to listen to while enjoying the peace around you.

“Conquered” becomes the moment in the album where SUKH offers a fresh perspective on his artistry. Light synthetic tones and a hazy atmosphere give the song a more airy, almost pop-leaning sound, yet it stays within the intimate style SUKH is known for. This track is where the album begins to unfold in a new way, inviting the listener to reflect on different states of mind through the diversity of its musical textures.

The second half of the album brings deeper, more demanding tones to the sound. “Love Atom” is a true emotional burst. The swinging guitars, rapid keys, and vivid vocals create the feeling of an internal monologue directed at the deepest emotions. The track is full of drama, as if you’re standing in a stadium where emotions peak in a single moment, only to give way to acoustic moments of silence.

“Faith” slows the pace, but it doesn’t lose its intensity. Here, the sound dips into lower, richer tones, with the bass filling the entire space. SUKH’s vocals sound almost prayerful, giving the song a deep emotional weight that blends melancholy with optimism, despite its fast and energetic chorus.

photo by Joe McAdam

The album closes with “If You Are,” a track that wraps you in its gentle keys and ethereal SUKH vocals. This is where SUKH reaches the pinnacle of his sound, crafting something that resembles dream-pop, where the lyrics and melody merge into one, creating a sense of lightness. It’s a track that seems to float above the ground, finishing the journey with a feeling of transformation and calm.

“Heading East” feels like a kind of diary of transformation, where passion gives way to something deeper, calmer, and more enduring. This album exemplifies how sometimes you need to take a step back, let time pass, and return to your thoughts and emotions with a fresh perspective. And SUKH does this masterfully, dimming the brightness and drama to make space for reflection.

SUKH manages to tap into the most hidden corners of the mind. Each track reveals a new facet of emotions that we often suppress, forget, or fear to experience. The lightness of the sound is deceptive — behind each song lies a profound emotional process.

“Heading East” doesn’t offer answers, it leaves you alone with the question. What comes next? What happens when love transforms, when you finally reach your quiet harbor? The answer lingers on the surface… or perhaps somewhere much deeper, but to find it, you’ll have to listen until the very end.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub