For an artist who has spent decades exploring the boundaries between melody, philosophy, and experimentation, Sean MacLeod’s latest single feels like a natural yet fascinating progression. ‘I’ve Seen You Around’, the first glimpse into his forthcoming album We Don’t See What We Don’t See, is a track that quietly challenges convention while remaining remarkably inviting.
At first listen, the song possesses the warmth and accessibility of classic indie-pop. But beneath its gentle exterior lies a far more ambitious undertaking. MacLeod combines the centuries-old sound of the lyre with contemporary digital production techniques, creating a meeting point between distant musical histories and modern innovation.
A major contributor to the track’s distinctive character is its use of the ancient Pythagorean tuning system. While many listeners may not immediately identify the technical differences, they will certainly feel them. The harmonies possess an uncommon clarity and stillness, allowing the music to unfold with an almost meditative quality. Notes seem to resonate differently, creating a sense of openness and calm that is rarely encountered in contemporary pop music.
Those familiar with his history will recognise the restless creative spirit that has defined his career. From his early work with Dublin outfit Cisco through to his increasingly adventurous solo catalogue, he has consistently sought new ways of expressing timeless ideas. His music often draws from the rich melodic traditions of the 1960s while embracing folk, classical, and avant-garde influences, and ‘I’ve Seen You Around’ continues that tradition beautifully.
As the opening chapter of We Don’t See What We Don’t See, the single offers an intriguing indication of where his experimental instincts are leading him next. If this track is anything to go by, the forthcoming album promises to be one of his most adventurous and thought-provoking projects to date.