Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood & The Rajasthan Express — Ranjha (World Circuit, 2026)
A decade after Junun, Ranjha is a recording with deeper confidence and sharper focus. The setting has shifted from the sandstone vastness of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) to an Oxford studio in the UK. However, the album retains the same restless spirit: musicians pursue communion through irresistible rhythm, repetition and ecstatic release.
Shye Ben Tzur’s compositions include influences from Qawwali, Manganiar folk traditions and Sufi poetry, with reverence. Next, Jonny Greenwood threads wiry, inventive guitar lines and subtle harmonic turns through the ensemble. Lastly, The Rajasthan Express remains the engine of the record with their brass blasts, hand percussion and massed vocals summoning a fervent, high energy sound.
The title track, inspired by the Punjabi romance of Heer and Ranjha through the verse of Bulleh Shah, signifies both ache and transcendence. Elsewhere, “Aviv” drifts between Hebrew lyricism and Indian classical structure with luminous grace, while “Saqi” and “Ishq-e-Majnun” engage with hypnotic devotion. Tom Skinner’s drums add muscular beats nudging several tracks toward a lean, kinetic funk.
Historical echoes ripple throughout the album. Amir Khusrau’s poetry, centuries old yet startlingly alive, rests beside modern studio experimentation. That balance gives Ranjha its emotional force grounded in sacred music reborn through collaboration. The result feels human and quietly transporting, a bridge between mysticism and modernity.
As Jonny Greenwood explains: “Music is just such a sweet shop. There are so many styles and talents, and it’s hard to just stick to one thing, because people are having fun elsewhere – and it looks like fun. That’s certainly always been true with Shye and our collaborators from India”.
Buy Ranjha.
Author: Madison Quinn
