With each pluck of a string and every beat to a drum, The Kowloons present their undeniable talents upon a polished platter of silver. An upbeat rhythm with an infectious nature, ‘I Don’t Care’ draws a hit of jaunty acoustics before exhaling a sweet summer sound.
Revealing a narrative, this track is “spoken like a childhood friend trying to console you”. Ste Ng, lead singer of The Kowloons takes an expedition into the development of this anthem belonging to a sunny afternoon. Lyrics of ‘come on out and get up out of bed’ echoes a familiar intention to the well and truly loved Beatles track, ‘Dear Prudence’. “It’s about having a tightly knit bond with someone that the outside world couldn’t understand” Ste adds, making a reference to his relationship with twin brother, Ant Ng. Euphoric melodies coastline down the track as sweetened words of sentiment emulsify on the tongue.
Taking the time to refine their palate, The Kowloons have used their discography as an institute for experiment. “We’ve kind of explored a few different sounds, and with ‘I Don’t Care’ it feels like we’ve landed on our signature sound.” Ant Ng resonates on the musical flavours that have helped to curate their compositions. “It’s kind of a mix of 60’s pop and 90’s Britpop. Catchy and to the point, with all the fat trimmed off”. Drenched in inspiration from The La’s while swaggering in their own sound, ‘I Don’t Care’ explodes into a moment of sun-soaked discovery. Distilled and honey sweet.
“We recorded this track at Kempston St studios with Alex Quinn,” Ant Ng reflects on recording within the same walls as irrepressible bands such as Blossoms and The Royston Club. With gratitude and admiration he adds, “Alex was a great producer to work with…he really helped bring the record to life.” During ‘I Don’t Care’’s early days, the group recorded an original take with The Real People’s very own, Chris Griffiths. “Chris helped us develop the song into a final product, he’s been great on helping us on stuff like that”.
A formation of clean-cut baselines and golden flecks of a guitar simmer into a groove not far from Stone Roses ‘Waterfall’. Its studio sound flourishes with ease, blooming across the stereo. Ant Ng touches on the track’s production, “The most important thing is that all the parts are intertwined, rhythmically and melodically, everyone singing from the same hymn sheet”. Vibrant harmonies flit between drifting chords as the bridge comes in full force. Despite the track’s lively tone, a sense of melancholic nostalgia presents itself. ‘I Don’t Care’ is a clear example of the emotional complexities that run deep through The Kowloons’ ever-growing discography.
The Kowloons: I Don’t Care – Out 23 May 2025
