In the larger electronic music scene, Kai David Under an Assumed Name has been a quiet force for years, and his musical influence is more than noticeable. With the release of his new single, ‘The Things I Don't Regret’, the enigmatic musician takes centre stage, delivering a song that is both sonically captivating and intensely personal.
Inspired by a tragic event in which a young girl died after escaping from a mental health facility, the song artfully explores a deeply poignant topic. Kai David approaches this thematic tale with great care, concentrating on what he refers to as "a specific type of regret." But the song is not just about hoping for a different result or wishing you’d chosen differently.
According to David, “For this girl’s parents, they made the right choice based on all available knowledge—and yet it still ended in their daughter’s death... So, there’s not just the basic regret of having picked the wrong path; there’s also the feeling of anger that you didn’t have the full information necessary to make the right decision.”
The single is a masterwork of control spliced with visceral electronic music. During the composition of the song, David established a rule for himself: he would only use synthesisers in his palette, along with clearly processed vocals to create “a not-quite-human sound.” It’s this contrast between human moments and almost in-human sounds that makes the song so enthralling.
Starting with a soft, lone synth that slowly intensifying into a lavish crescendo, the song perfectly reflects the internal conflict. The music softens for a final chorus before fading away, giving you a sense of quiet, lingering sorrow. Its music built to create an emotional release, something personal and inspired that will linger for hours.
While the new song is gently reminiscent of contemporary synthpop and art-pop hits like College & Electric Youth's ‘A Real Hero’ or Taylor Swift's ‘Fortnight’, it also forges its own route. It's a measured, reflective piece of music that demonstrates a musician who knows that emotional resonance doesn't have to be loud.
You can stream ‘The Things I Don't Regret’ on all streaming services now, and for more from Kai David Under an Assumed Name, be sure to follow him on TikTok and BlueSky.
