Sean MacLeod’s I Know Not feels like the work of an artist who’s still genuinely curious about what music can be. Due out on December 5th, 2025, the single blends familiar pop instincts with a quiet sense of experimentation, resulting in something that’s catchy on the surface but a little strange in the best way once you lean in. There’s an obvious love for classic songwriting here. You can hear echoes of 50s doo-wop, 60s psychedelia, and even the raw edge of 70s punk, all filtered through MacLeod’s own voice and experience. The chorus lands easily, almost sweetly, but the track never settles into something predictable. Beneath the melody, things bend and shift, giving the song a slightly unsettled feel that keeps it interesting.
What makes I Know Not especially compelling is how it mixes pop with experimentation without making a big deal out of it. The microtonal elements and unusual tunings aren’t there to show off — they simply add colour and tension, creating moments that feel a little off-kilter, a little curious. The lo-fi home recording only adds to that charm, giving the song a handmade quality that suits its exploratory nature. MacLeod leans into reflection rather than certainty. Lines like “Is sound only just sound” suggest a songwriter more interested in asking questions than delivering neat answers. That openness gives the track a thoughtful, almost philosophical edge, without ever feeling heavy or self-important.
I Know Not works because it doesn’t try to fit neatly into a box. It’s pop, but not polished smooth. It’s experimental, but never alienating. Most of all, it sounds like an artist still enjoying the process of discovery — and inviting the listener along for the ride.
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