Sean MacLeod – I Know Not (2025)
Making a splash in the indie-pop music scene, Ireland-based Sean MacLeod brings his maturity, sophistication, elegance, and damn good beat to audiences – not just in Ireland or the UK, but across Europe and beyond. Interestingly, while MacLeod has a strong, distinctive indie-pop sound, he is no one-trick pony, swirling not only one genre in his musical concoctions, but tips universal styles, blurring the line between Western and Eastern music. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘I Know Not’.
Following his well-received singles ‘Cool Charisma’ and ‘Romeo’, MacLeod ends 2025 with ‘I Know Not’. Self-recorded and produced at his home studio on “…very unsophisticated equipment…”, ‘I Know Not’ is an experimental leap into the area of microtonal tuning; however, as much as there is an avant-garde distortion of the melody, the influential sound of 50s doo-wop and 60s pop wafts within the track. As if two melodies were created, then pasted together with silvery sonic stitches – the old-school, Pleasantville-esque pop ringing in the background, while a veil of percussive plinks, plonks and ringing bells clip the air in a strange but also gads of fun fashion.
Melodically, ‘I Know Not’ bridges the divide between commercial practicality and way-out-there eclecticism. Interestingly, while the instruments and their arrangement are a bit helter-skelter and rollercoaster ride, MacLeod’s rich vocals saunter across the track. He takes your hand, smiles at you, and guides you through the complexity of an intricate sonic maze. So, you know you have a buddy, but you still find yourself in a mishmash of music.
In the end, what is my overall opinion of ‘I Know Not’ and Sean MacLeod? Already a fan of his music, MacLeod’s charm won my heart a while ago, yet ‘I Know Not’ proves his innovation and originality as an artist. Taken from the upcoming album, That’s When The Earth Becomes A Star, ‘I Know Not’ might be the pivotal evolution from beloved pop to off-kilter alternative-ness. Only time will tell.
Find out more about Sean MacLeod on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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