Prabh Deep has rolled out his latest offering, ‘The KING Returns,’ which marks a triumphant
return to the throne he carved with the K.I.N.G. EP in 2019. Emerging from a year-long break
from releasing, filled with introspection and innovation, Prabh Deep’s legend further unfolds,
promising a power-packed experience that does justice to the artist’s evolving identity.
Prabh Deep has talked about the album’s deeper narrative, describing it as a fragment within a
larger long term project he has been meticulously crafting over the past six years. He claims
to have attempted to strike a balance between the nostalgic experiences of Tilak Nagar (his
childhood home) and the freshness of Goa (his current sanctuary) into the album.

“Royalty, Power and Longevity”- Prabh Deep’s life mottos, capture the aura of the album perfectly.
Lyrically, ‘The KING Returns’ builds upon the themes of loss, childhood memories, dreams
from the past and the future and a self-reflective confidence of an artist navigating life.
Tracks like ‘Bachpan’ and ‘Yadaan’ serve as windows into Prabh Deep’s soul, blending
evocative storytelling with melodies that leaves a memorable ring in one’s ears.

The sonic landscape of the album is generous, showcasing a diverse palette of sounds. From
shimmering chorus-filled guitar strums to the use of human voice in various forms- often
computer modulated and with an electronic touch, backing the main vocals, all layering and
falling together to form a harmony. The 808s, coupled with the unique hi-hat patterns, further
enhances the album’s appeal as a Punjabi rap album. The beats unfold and evolve into
different forms smoothly, often more than once in each track. The details and the flow of it all
a chef’s kiss.

To discuss the standouts, ‘Babaji’ emerges as a powerful Punjabi anthem, meticulously crafted
with deliberate ethnic sounds that amplify its identity. ‘Girgit’ showcases Prabh Deep’s vocal
abilities, with clear and powerful deliveries that feel sincere and real. ‘Daang’ takes a playful
yet haunting turn with its synths, offering a dynamic twist to the album’s palette. The
concluding track, ‘Bachpan,’ introduces a folk touch, featuring further modulated vocals and
intimate lyrics. The track could serve well as the background score for sentimental scenarios
and is complemented by delicious piano melodies.

The music video for “Ethe Rakh”, made in collaboration with John Jacobs, is an extravagant
expression of Prabh Deep’s style of getting out there with a bang.
A minor possible critique of the album might surface in the form of the constant shifting
beats and production styles. While indicative of the Prabh Deep’s versatility, it might be
perceived by some as an attempt to showcase too much at once. Does it potentially dilute the
album’s cohesion or adds to its innovation and experimentalism? This is a question for the
fans to answer.

Verdict: The overall listening experience of ‘The KING Returns’ can be aptly summarised as versatile,
seamlessly flowing beats, powerful vocals, and narrative lyrics. The album is a perfect
companion for late-night car drives or a power-packed work out session- while still
preserving its appeal as a musical memoir to be enjoyed in the moments of self-reflection.