Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has reunited with composer Shye Ben Tzur and The Rajasthan Express for a new album titled Ranjha, set for release on May 8 via World Circuit/BMG. The project follows their 2015 collaboration Junun and features the lead single of the same name, accompanied by an eight-minute music video. Recording took place in an Oxford studio, differing from the fort setting of their previous work.
Jonny Greenwood, known for his work with Radiohead, has joined forces again with Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and the Indian ensemble The Rajasthan Express for Ranjha, their first album since 2015's Junun. The new record, delayed by COVID-19, Radiohead's creative commitments, and other factors, was recorded in an Oxford studio where Greenwood, Thom Yorke, and drummer Tom Skinner—who also contributes to this album—typically work as The Smile.
Shye Ben Tzur described the process in a press statement: “It was about getting a clearer sound in a more controlled environment, but using the features of the studio to be creative in a completely different way.” Greenwood added insight into the creative balance: “With Shye’s songs, you feel dangerously like you can ruin them quite easily by imposing western chords on them, like you’re forcing a square into a circle... I’ve always wanted to turn this band into a funk group.” He also noted the spiritual dimension: “I’m used to songs about alienation, songs which are about serious things, but not spiritual things. If an English band just sang religious or spiritually inspired songs and poetry, it would be very unusual.”
The title track 'Ranjha' was released alongside a music video directed by Ian Patrick. Ben Tzur elaborated on its impact: “You feel this music on your body... And this album is maybe like a window into that phenomenal tradition.”
Junun, recorded in the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India, and produced by Nigel Godrich, received widespread acclaim and inspired a documentary by Paul Thomas Anderson. Ranjha continues this exploration of diverse musical influences, with pre-orders available on CD, digital formats, and special red and coral splatter vinyl. Track listings vary slightly across reports, but include tracks such as Shiqwa, Marbolot, Ranjha, Shemesh, and others up to 11 songs.
In a separate context, Greenwood has expressed differing views from bandmate Thom Yorke on performing in Israel, arguing against boycotts under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
