Kahnin might be an Icelandic music legend. Little is known about the island country, by the mainstream Western culture obsessed world. Sure, Eurovision made it popular, but not all artists are behind that genre. Gudmundur Jens Gudmundsson is Kahnin, a stellar performer and a sorcerer behind instruments. His latest single is called I am 5.6.4.3.
Apart from the unique title, almost everything else is just as unique about this song. Kahnin creates a flowing, rhythmic chord progression for the chorus that floats into your third eye, for eternal existence. Not only are the melodies well curated, but there is a natural state of being they flourish in. His vocals, like a country singer, are untouched by production and sound real, melodic and great. In the song, he might just be a number, but he is kept alive by the humanity in him. If it is the sentience of this humanoid or the ability of Kahnin to tap into this protagonist, I don’t know. I honestly couldn’t have heard a better translation of something so poignant through such simple sentiments. Transitions from verse to chorus and the bridge all unite as one, in almost a singular state of flow.
I could view this being used in Equilibrium, with the Orwellian dystopia on the brink as an undertone. With the easy flowing sound, it would be interesting to find a contrast within a scene, or understand the depth of a character as well. You can listen to Kahnin’s immensely popular tracks like Stardust, Satellite Boy and Highball Chaser among others to truly explore the booming career of this artist.