Harkling’s debut single, 'Alive,' pulses with a raw, understated energy that slowly builds, pulling you into its world...
It’s a track born from isolation—written in the vast, cold landscapes of Arctic Norway—and you can feel every bit of that stark beauty and solitude in the music. The song starts with ethereal synths, drifting like the endless Arctic nights, before a soft but persistent beat kicks in, guiding the track through its emotional twists.
There’s a simplicity to 'Alive' that feels intentional. Harkling doesn’t clutter the production—each sound has space to breathe. Her voice, delicate but full of emotion, is front and centre, allowing the listener to focus on the story she’s telling. “We’re alive and shining light in the dark” feels like a personal mantra, echoing the journey she’s been on—from confusion to clarity, from darkness to light. The contrast between these emotions is mirrored in the song’s structure, with its mix of shimmering synths and grounding beats.
What makes 'Alive' so compelling is the tension it holds. It’s a song that doesn’t rush to a conclusion—it takes its time, letting the atmospheric textures do the heavy lifting. The track’s 90bpm pace is perfect for this; it gives a feeling of movement without urgency, like drifting through an Arctic landscape, unsure of what you’ll find but willing to keep going.
Harkling’s background in live electronic improvisation is evident here, not in a chaotic way but in how the song feels exploratory—like each sound was discovered rather than placed. There’s an organic quality that contrasts beautifully with the electronic elements, grounding the track in a very human experience.
As a debut, 'Alive' shows us that Harkling isn’t afraid to let her music speak softly but with purpose. It’s introspective and atmospheric but leaves you with a sense of quiet strength—like a light flickering in the dark but never going out.
Comments