Nat GreenerMumubl is free for anyone to sign up and share their musical loves. This post is from a community user and as such not affiliated with Mumubl. There's every chance they still have a cool music taste though ๐
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Harkling’s debut single, ‘Alive’ is a deeply immersive track that transports the listener into a world of contrasts light and dark, tension and release. Written during her time in Arctic Norway, ‘Alive’Â draws on the stark, atmospheric environment to create a soundscape that is both expansive and intimate. The track weaves together layers of synth-driven textures, understated beats, and raw, emotive vocals, resulting in a song that feels like a journey through emotional landscapes.
At its heart, ‘Alive’ is a reflection of Harkling’s personal experiences. The isolation and intensity of the Arctic, with its long nights and endless wilderness, have left a profound mark on the track’s tone. As she puts it…
“The isolation and intensity of the Arctic landscape deeply influenced my creative vision… shaping its atmospheric sound and creating a sense of searching for light within darkness.”
This duality is a key theme throughout the song, and Harkling manages to capture the feeling of being suspended between opposing forces, both musically and emotionally.
The production is refreshingly minimalistic, allowing the song to breathe. Harkling’s vocals are delivered with a sense of vulnerability, drawing the listener into the emotional depth of the track. The lyrics reflect the shining light in the dark – a journey from confusion and loss to resilience and hope, to a journey that is mirrored in the subtle shifts in melody and tone throughout the song. The track’s steady 90bpm rhythm gives it an undulating, almost hypnotic quality, while the sparse beats and gentle synth lines create a sense of space and contemplation.
For a debut single, ‘Alive’ is an impressive showcase of Harkling’s songwriting and production skills; Her background in live electronic improvisation lends the track an organic, exploratory feel, but there’s also a clear sense of purpose here. This is a song about navigating the complexities of life, embracing both the light and the dark, and finding strength in the most unexpected places…
