We previously featured Koentakhinte for delivering a heartfelt reflection on authenticity and belonging with Quiet Colors, so when we heard that the artist was back with When You’re Not Here, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in his universe once again and share our experience.
When You’re Not Here opens with a Spanish acoustic guitar melody, immediately tapping into a high emotional quotient. This is followed by ethereal hummed libs and the lyrics, “How can all things keep moving, like nothing’s changed at all, why does every passing moment never seem to pause?”
The opus expands with vulnerability and a delicate timbre as Koentakhinte shares a sublime and cohesive tapestry of sound and deep emotional resonance. The melodies are divine and we love the philosophical depth that transmutes. We love the central premise, which explores how the world can continue unchanged when the absence of one person has completely altered our own internal landscape. In that sense, it is hugely relatable.
We could imagine When You’re Not Here featuring in a film like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, or Voicemails from Isabelle, both of which tap into these themes. The subtle production choices create a wonderfully organic atmosphere and manifest with a meditative quality as we experience Koentakhinte‘s existentialism.
Fans of Matt Simons, Enrique Iglesias, and Dermot Kennedy will find plenty to connect with, although what Koentakhinte is creating is most certainly of his own design – philosophical, emotionally rich and hugely relatable. On his artistry, the Dutch artist also known as Koen Ruiter simply says, “I don’t write songs to tell people what to think. I write songs that invite them to discover what they think.”
Needless to say, we continue to be in awe of what Koentakhinte is creating, and have added When You’re Not Here to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Quiet Colors, and anticipate future releases from the visionary artist.