Christian Kuria: 3 Songs For Your Quiet Fall Playlist

By Christina Atalla

Dive into the world of Christian Kuria, the 28 year-old Kenyan-born multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose music has captivated listeners worldwide since his start in 2019. Kuria’s artistry is defined by a mesmerizing fusion of seamlessly blended, soulful vocals and experimental, atmospheric instrumentals infused with African percussive influences. With his signature electric guitar solos, reverberating vocals, and emotionally resonant lyrics, Kuria’s music weaves a distinctive soundscape that effortlessly commands your attention and, on a quiet morning, invites you to let the music speak for itself. With that being said, here are three of his songs that are favorites in my quiet fall playlist rotation (and hopefully yours too after reading this!). 

Bitter Pill (Borderline - 2020): 

‘Bitter Pill’ serves as Kuria’s musical narrative of a relationship that is no longer working. In this introspective ballad, he confronts the stark reality of emotional detachment, juxtaposed with the struggle to let go. “I could never leave you now, but if you feel like walking out, baby then do it” conveys this turmoil in a painful admission of growing apart, marked by a profound sense of helplessness. 

As the song unfolds, we delve deeper into the complexities of his emotions. Kuria grapples with the elusiveness of understanding “I’ve been wondering what you think about”, highlighting the estranged nature of their connection. The chorus line “If you tell me you’re over it, Imma tell you I’m over it”echoes his hesitancy to take the first step toward separation. He also reflects upon her hidden feelings, singing "If you’re hiding what you feel underneath a bitter pill” as he attempts to decipher her sentiments. 

The bridge introduces a touch of empathy, wherein Kuria promises to “take it slowly” - a gesture of understanding and a plea for her to find solace in their parting. It’s a testament to his genuine care for her well-being and a recognition that space might foster healing. 

In its entirety, “Bitter Pill” emerges as a bittersweet elegy, a heartfelt ode to a relationship marked by genuine care, but ultimately succumbing to the forces of change and growth. Kuria’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth shine through, painting a vivid picture of love’s poignant evolution. 

So (Suspension of Disbelief - 2022): 

This song beautifully encapsulates the cyclical nature of a toxic relationship, wherein Kuria masterfully blends guitar melodies, layered vocals and atmospheric harmonies to evoke a profound sense of crossroads. “So” candidly portrays a love entangled in conflict, where despite constant fighting, the yearning remains insatiable, as exemplified by the line “I just walk away assuming time will heal”. 

Amidst the tumult, the chorus emerges as Kuria’s desperate plea for clarity and the undeniable need for that someone, reflected in the words “I just want to make sense of it all” and “I can’t take the silence when you’re gone”. Throughout, the song voices a relationship marked by an intricate push-and-pull dynamic, still rooted in love despite its evident strain. 

The bridge introduces a paradox, mirroring the indecisiveness inherent to the piece and the circular nature of the emotions at play. This sentiment is captured in the song, acknowledging the irrevocable path they’ve taken with poignant phrases like “we could never turn back now”. And yet, also conveys a reluctance to move forward independently, as expressed in the lines “I don’t wanna go changing on my own” and “Baby don’t you go changing on your own”. 

This song is a raw emotional exploration, capturing the perpetual cycle of a relationship with no clear resolution and serving as a reminder that sometimes, a relationship is more about the emotions it is rooted in rather than those it stirs. 

Deep Green (Suspension of Disbelief - 2022): 

Opening on a retrospective note, Kuria sings “guess I did see it coming”, before backtracking to paint a carefree picture of evenings spent “riding around town ‘til the morning”.

As the pre-chorus unfolds, Kuria exposes the deceptive nature of the too-good-to-be true relationship. This becomes evident when he sings of his partner’s commitment, her promise to “take aim” at a future together, only to unveil the stark reality that she “fakes everything”. 

The chorus underscores the lackluster ambiance, with “deep green” serving as a metaphor for the vast spectrum of emotions, now transparent to Kuria, as articulated in the line “clear as daylight”. The chorus therefore serves as a declaration of closure, marking a newfound sense of freedom with the assertion “it’s over now”. 

Towards the song’s culmination, the chorus is repeated thrice, accompanied by intensified instrumentals and a final guitar breakdown. This crescendo signifies a growing sense of resolution and acceptance. Despite the bittersweet undertones in its lyrical narrative, the song ultimately uplifts, embodying a spirit of emancipation. 

These songs serve as a compelling introduction to the diverse range of Christian Kuria’s style. While they may not encompass his entire body of work, they are the ones I find myself returning to the most because of their depth and escapist qualities - each song tells an emotional story that I never tire of getting lost in. 

I had the privilege of seeing Kuria’s live performance at the Jazz Cafe earlier this year - an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed his remarkable stage presence, proving that his live renditions are as captivating as his studio recordings, if not more (his bonus guitar solos added an impressive dimension!). Christian Kuria’s music provides solace and serves as a voice for emotions that can be challenging to confront, serving as a testament to the power of his artistry.