SUKANYA and Arashkha continue their fascinating creative partnership with SHAKTI Volume 3, a three-track EP that feels less like a collection of songs and more like an immersive spiritual journey. Rich in cultural influences and layered with contemporary electronic textures, the project successfully bridges ancient traditions and modern experimentation in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply meaningful.
At the heart of the EP is a celebration of transformation, feminine power, and renewal. Drawing inspiration from musical traditions across India, Bangladesh, Lithuania, and Réunion Island, the duo crafts a sonic landscape where devotional elements coexist naturally with pulsing synths, atmospheric electronics, and cinematic sound design. The result is a listening experience that feels timeless while remaining firmly rooted in the present.
Each track explores a different facet of the EP’s central themes. From the darker, more intense energy that flows through “Devotional Song From an Urban Ruin”, to the meditative surrender of “Sweet Surrender”, and the symbolic beauty of “The Eternal Lily”, the project unfolds like a series of interconnected reflections on growth, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. Traditional vocal forms, folk influences, and classical inspirations are woven together with remarkable care, creating music that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
Sukanya Chattopadhyay’s background as a classically trained vocalist and multi-instrumentalist shines throughout the release. Her ability to navigate traditional forms while embracing contemporary sounds gives the EP much of its emotional depth. Equally important is the contribution of French-Iranian composer Arashkha Khalatbari, whose experience in music, philosophy, and storytelling helps shape the project’s immersive atmosphere and conceptual richness.
What makes SHAKTI Volume 3 particularly compelling is its refusal to be confined by genre. It moves effortlessly between folk traditions, devotional music, experimental electronics, and cinematic soundscapes, all while maintaining a clear artistic vision. The inclusion of evocative dance performances further expands the project into a multidimensional work of art centered on devotion, liberation, and transcendence.
For listeners willing to step beyond conventional boundaries, SHAKTI Volume 3 offers a rewarding experience filled with beauty, mystery, and emotional depth. It is a powerful example of how collaboration across cultures can create something truly distinctive.
With SHAKTI Volume 3, Sukanya and Arashkha craft a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation
