We previously featured Simone Engel for exploring emotional ambiguity and unspoken truths with the heartfelt debut single, YES, so when we found out that Simone was back with Just Knowing You’re There, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Just Knowing You’re There opens with a meditative frequency and intricate acoustic guitar as Simone shares poetic prowess and a raw, introspective nature with delicate and emotive vocals with metaphorical depth. The build of the track is sublime and cinematically visual as Simone’s timeless nature manifests. We appreciate how the folk-Americana and country influences give the song a warmth, and a raw organic quality at a time when the music industry needs it the most.
Simone’s storytelling is incredible, and in essence, Just Knowing You’re There is about the comfort that can exist in someone’s presence, without the requirement of physical proximity. The tale begins in a state of mental overload with racing thoughts, rain, and thunder as her mind refuses to slow down, but then something changes. It feels like a narrative of self-realization towards stillness and consciousness.
Simone captures this transformation in a deeply resolute way and it feels relatable but also cathartic. We love the contrast with YES…. whilst her debut explored the uncertainty of trying to understand what someone means when their words and actions don’t align, Just Knowing You’re There occupies a much quieter emotional space.
Sonically, we could imagine the track accompanying an intimate scene in Normal People, One Day or Past Lives, or a TV show like The Shards, or Euphoria on HBO. There is also a familiarity with artists such as Kacey Musgraves, First Aid Kit, and The Paper Kites, but there is no doubt that Simone is manifesting a universe unto her own design.
We have added Just Knowing You’re There to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whist we continue to stream YES, and anticipate future releases from Simone Engel.