Here at the Send Me Your Ears studio today, we’ve been listening to the latest single from Icelandic artist, Kahnin. Go Kart was released on February 2, 2023, and is a fun and positive-sounding 90s-rock-inspired track.
Go Kart is a lyrically fun song which celebrates life’s small moments and the importance of maintaining a youthful view of life. We particularly liked the line;
“She likes fruit flies
I like food fights!”
The song starts with a warm country guitar following a repeated riff. A buzzy, almost synth-like guitar joins the mix and leads you into the first verse.
Vocally, Kahnin reminded us of a blend of Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan or Ian Dury. Dylan’s, Subterranean Homesick Blues, came to mind in the verses, while he lists off plenty of life’s smaller moments that blend together to make a list of tiny events that build a bigger picture. Kahnin’s voice is particularly clear in the verses and you will find yourself enjoying every lyric and tiny memory from childhood.
An instrumental section combining electric and acoustic guitars leads into the chorus. There are layered vocals in the chorus which add a nice touch.
The rise and fall in this track is presented well, creating a dynamic soundscape which maintains the listeners’ interest throughout. We particularly liked the way the song drops back to just the acoustic guitar strums after the chorus.
A synth-like fuzz guitar creates some exciting moments and pans left and right, creating an experience which is intensified through headphones. This is particularly of note at the end of the track.
Reminding us a little of the track, Steal My Sunshine, by Len, Go Kart is a truly upbeat and positive song with some heartfelt and fun lyrics. Who wouldn’t love a song about childhood and go-karts?!
Ideas from our ears
A hi-pass filter around 35Hz and a small cut around 85Hz would remove some low end rumble and a little ‘boominess’. To our ears, a small boost right across the top 3 octaves would fill out the sound a little but perhaps a drop back down around 7kHz to avoid too much presence in that area. Finally, the vocals get a little lost in the fuller parts of the song so perhaps a little volume automation might help them cut through a little more. As always, these are just some ideas from our ears.
Final thoughts
Kahnin’s latest single, Go Cart, is a positive and upbeat 90s rock-style track which is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. We loved it!