Joe Butler’s iknowthatyoudontknow is the kind of song that you hear once and instantly want to play back at full volume. It’s fun, quick, and catchy as hell. Clocking in at under two minutes but somehow packing more energy and attitude than tracks double its length. If you were at his recent Whelan’s headline show (which we covered, and we’re still buzzing from it), you already know: this one goes off live.
With its punchy beat, addictive hook, and some fun lyrics like“I know that your view of love is carriage, horses, wedding rings” and “I know you think growing up’s a reason you should celebrate” Joe flips the script on typical love songs. It’s got this cheeky confidence to it, layered over clean production that has the best of both worlds in feeling both polished and raw in the best way. He’s got that rare knack for taking everyday observations and spinning them into absolute bangers and his growing discorigraphy backs that up. This is a track you want to scream in the car with your mates or blast on your way out the door. Live, it hits even harder. The moment the chorus kicked in at Whelan’s, the whole crowd was clapping in time and yelling it back at him. There’s just something infectious bout his tracks and we’re really looking forward to his upcoming EP.
Joe’s been steadily building a name for himself, and iknowthatyoudontknow is another confident step forward. As someone commented on his socials: “The future of Irish music. Invest early.” We couldn’t agree more.
‘iknowthatyoudontknow’ scores its self a nice 8 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography