Similar Kind’s ‘i know (didn’t know)’ Is the Groove-Heavy Gut Punch You Didn’t Know You Needed
- ALT RECESS
- May 31
- 3 min read

You know those songs that make you dance before you even realize what the lyrics are saying? And then you do hear them—and suddenly you’re grooving and thinking about your entire life at the same time? Yeah. Similar Kind just dropped one of those.
Their latest single, “i know (didn’t know)”, is an indie pop banger in every sense of the word: it’s got the bounce, it’s got the brains, and it’s got that undeniable cool factor that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. It’s fun, it’s sharp, and it’s weirdly healing—kind of like if OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” took a detour through an indie pop wonderland. Not sonically, but spiritually. You’ll see.
First off, let’s talk groove. The live instrumentation here is a total mood-booster: tight drums, slick bass, glittering keys, and yes, some tastefully lush sax lines that basically melt through the mix like warm butter. There’s something so effortless about the way Similar Kind layers sounds—it’s not overthought, just instinctual. Natural. Like this song was always meant to exist and they just happened to be the ones lucky enough to catch it.
But don’t be fooled by the sparkle—there’s depth underneath that shine.
Oof. Let that sink in. This isn’t just a catchy hook—it’s a whole mic drop. The lyrics dive into the power of women’s intuition, those gut feelings that never lie, and the bittersweet clarity of finally listening to yourself. It's a coming-of-consciousness track wrapped in disco balls and synth-pop charm.
“i know (didn’t know)” is that rare track that satisfies both hemispheres of your brain. On one side, it’s introspective, poetic, maybe even a little savage if you’ve been on the receiving end of someone’s finally-had-enough moment. On the other, it’s an absolute bop. Like, kick-your-shoes-off-and-dance-in-the-living-room level bop.
And that duality? That’s Similar Kind’s superpower.
The Connecticut-based six-piece band has built their whole vibe on contrast—emotional depth meets playful production, nostalgia meets now, vulnerability meets pure kinetic energy. And in “i know (didn’t know)”, you hear all of it working in perfect harmony.
This single is part of the slow-burn buildup to their upcoming debut album, good grief!, out June 6th. And if “i know (didn’t know)” is a preview of what’s coming, consider us very ready. While the album explores deeper themes—grief, growth, and the weird space in between—Similar Kind still manages to keep their signature energy: vibrant, dramatic, and totally locked in.
And that cohesion? You feel it most in how tight this band plays together. Julia Breen’s vocals have this light-but-lethal quality—like she could either read you a lullaby or read you to filth—and behind her, the band (Prince Porter on bass, Miles Dominici on drums, Ben McNamara on guitar, Jake James on keys, and Matt Oriente on sax) is a well-oiled indie-pop machine. It’s no wonder their live shows are getting the kind of buzz that makes people cancel other plans.
“i know (didn’t know)” is more than just a great indie track. It’s a reminder that truth doesn’t have to be heavy to hit. That clarity can come on the dance floor. That groove and growth aren’t mutually exclusive. And that sometimes the smartest thing you can do is trust your gut and let it move you.
So turn it up, let it sink in, and maybe send a little side-eye to whoever this song made you think of. You know the one.
Listen to “i know (didn’t know)” now wherever you get your music. Mark your calendar: "good grief!" drops June 6th.
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