We Speak Music
Almost Alive’s “Pieces Click” Is a Breakthrough You Can Feel
Almost Alive has always operated in the space where technology and emotion intersect, but “Pieces Click” might be the project’s most fully realized statement yet. It captures that elusive moment of mental alignment — when chaos gives way to clarity — and translates it into sound with striking precision.
The track unfolds like a realization happening in real time. Layers stack, dissolve, and reconfigure, creating a sense of motion that mirrors its central theme. It’s not static — it breathes, expands, and evolves, rewarding listeners who stick with it beyond the first play.
At the heart of the project is Evan Kanter’s vision, amplified through a toolkit that includes AI platforms like Suno and ChatGPT. But rather than feeling mechanical, “Pieces Click” lands as something deeply intentional. The technology becomes an instrument — one that enhances rather than replaces the emotional core.
Within the context of Pulse, the track feels pivotal. The record marks a shift toward a more kinetic sound — one that blends modern rock structures with electronic textures and cinematic ambition. Each track feels engineered to connect, and “Pieces Click” stands out as one of its most resonant moments.
Looking ahead, Almost Alive’s trajectory only gets more compelling. With Undercurrent on the horizon — a grunge-inspired project reimagined through a futuristic lens — the project continues to blur boundaries. If this is what clarity sounds like, it’s worth leaning all the way in.
We Speak Music
Christian Balvig releases gorgeous new album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes.
Acclaimed composer and arranger Christian Balvig is known for his work with an array of artists and bands like Jade, Efterklang, Lowly, When Saints Go Machine and Mew, as well as his work with some of the most acclaimed orchestras like Royal Northern Sinfonia (BBC Proms), The Royal Danish Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, London Contemporary Orchestra, The Danish Radio Broadcast Orchestra and The Norwegian Wind Ensemble.
The cinematic sound on his new album might echo Balvig’s work in the world of film and TV music. Scoring the 2025 Oscar shortlisted short movie ‘Eternal Father’ and the Danish hit series ‘Cry Wolf’ (Ulven Kommer), which has been shown on television in more than 30 countries around the globe, including Channel 4 in the UK. He was also nominated for a Harpa award for ‘Best score’ last year at the Berlinale for ‘The Son and the Moon (Min Arv Bor I Dig)’.
Balvig’s new album, ‘Find And You Will Seek’, backed by Danish string group Ensemble Hermes, grew organically out of this background of experiences and is music that appeals to listeners seeking original, immersive music with space for reflection and contemplation.
‘Find And You Will Seek’ is a collection of chamber works that explore the combination of piano and strings in new ways. Recent single ‘The BirdSuite II – Praesentia’ is part of a 3-part Suite running throughout the record, written and performed on a custom made “Keybird” piano, which is an una-corda (one string pr note) piano that gives a more subtle and intimate sound. On top of it is a lush and emotional string ensemble arrangement with Ensemble Hermes in multiple layers fluctuating in and out of the keybird piano.
Balvig’s second single from the record is ‘What Happened To The World’, an ultra transparent neo-classical inspired piece, with slow melodic structures, a simple chord progression and emotional performance starting with a floating viola solo. It is written from the feeling that the world sometimes goes backwards, and you feel left on the platform wanting to take the train in a different direction.
From film music inspired pieces to experimental chamber music over piano concerto inspired movements, to more neo-classical productions with almost orchestral sounding dubs of strings, ‘Find And You Will Seek’ flows with emotions and lush sound worlds, always with a tangible organic texture.
Find Christian Balvig and Ensemble Hermes on tour in Denmark:
27.5 Ansgars Kirke (Odense)
28.5 Folkegaarden Festival (Aalborg)
29.5 Gnisten (Ry)
30.5 Musikhuset (Aarhus)
1.6 Basement (Copenhagen)
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