J. I. Gassen - “How Do You Know It's Not A Sign”
J.I. Gassen’s “How Do You Know It's Not A Sign” is an experimental and captivating little number that blends elements of classic late 1960s psychedelia and strangely ambient music. The ukulele and unusual synth sounds that kick off the song set a unique and intriguing tone. The deep synth that acts as a bass adds a groovy and cohesive element to the song, whist also acting as a pad. It is joined by a variety of sounds that give this song a real cool character. The Beach Boys-inspired vocals and harmonies are a standout feature, and the song could easily fit on an album like Vegetables. It hits all the Brian Wilson LSD notes. The way the volume level is played with keeps the listener engaged, and the dreamy and ethereal break add a nice touch of ambiance. The piano and falsetto vocals that glide over the reverbed space create an inventive pause before the song builds to the playful and satisfying last chorus. Overall, “How Do You Know It's Not A Sign” is a refreshing and enjoyable track that showcases the artist’s creativity and experimentation. Highly recommend for the unusual.
About the track, J.I. Gassen adds: “This song is about the process of making sense of your life, and how that process is ultimately up to your interpretation and worldview. It is impossible to know if an event or thought is a sign from something beyond us, or if everything is just random and unintentional. So this song poses the titular question to the listener, without a real answer besides life being what you make it.”