The project of Philadelphia-based songwriter and sitarist Devi Majeske, Air Devi first came to our attention back in 2020 with the EP swanning about. Single ‘Flâneuse’ captured an “unburdened freedom” as we put it, “its gentle rhythms conjuring a carefree lightness and mindful disposition,” though this summer’s ‘Ashrita‘ offered a far more steely tone. A song we described as dedicated to “the artists who persevered in an industry not always welcoming,” and “ultimately finding empowerment within stubborn perseverance.”
Both releases which hinted at the stylistic breadth of the Air Devi project and this month sees Majeske return with Rooting for You, a brand new EP on Devil Town Tapes. Described as a reflection on themes of “connection, empowerment and hope,” the release again sees Air Devi combine her roots in classical Indian music with a decidedly punk outlook, with musicians Jacob Hershman (guitar, trumpet), Jay Fein (drums), Seth Fein (bass) Siddharth Ashokkumar (violin) and Hari Khatri (tabla) all lending their talents to bring the vision to life.
After opener ‘Ashrita’, the title track offers a bittersweet reflection on love and distance, while ‘Fatal Flaw’ looks to move beyond longing toward something more self-assured. Closer ‘It’s Over’ reaches acceptance on this front, but the EP’s standout ‘Dharti’ is far less conclusive. Confronting the roulette wheel of circumstance, the song centres on inequality and the resulting feelings of helplessness, like ‘Ashrita’ before it placing Majeske into a lineage of strong, struggling women. What results is an expression of frustration and solidarity in the face of injustice. “Are we parts of the same string?” as the closing lines ask:
We keep spinning round and round
And in my voice I hear you sing
At night you learned to weave
that’s the way that you could be free
woven in tapestry
Ah! Something’s gotta change
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Rooting for You is out now via Devil Town Tapes and available from Bandcamp.
