Since 2019, Klangkarussell has been making a creative resurgence. After spending time embracing the magic of their 2014 chart-topper ‘Sonnentanz (Sun Don’t Shine)’, the duo are now releasing under their own imprint, Bias Beach Records. The run of thirteen Klangkarussell singles the world has witnessed since its formation has accrued well over 200 million streams, with fans feeling the renewed sense of purpose the pair have been enlightened by.
The next of these singles arrives as ‘Afterglow’. Once again featuring the ethereal and bewitching vocals of GIVVEN, the track bears a similar dark glow to 2020’s ‘Ghostkeeper’. Pounding drums enter from the first moment, softly introducing lively synth melodies that provide the core of the track. GIVVEN provides a haunting yet graceful performance, capturing the ebb and flow of energy in the track as the drums build and filters are let loose. The drop is almost a fake out, rising to a celestial noise of electronic design and then pulling back into a minimal but energised melody. It’s a strong track from the once-Salzburg schoolmates.
The duo explain, “’Afterglow’ is the spiritual successor to ‘Ghostkeeper’. It continues the story of loss and grief, but this time a bit further along in the process. It’s about someone who has started to come to terms with their loss and is learning how to keep living in the ‘Afterglow’ of this person that they’ve left behind. In ‘Ghostkeeper’ the protagonist was completely lost in the grief and was struggling to live a full life in the wake of the loss. In ‘Afterglow’, they are still holding onto the memories of their person, but in a more positive way, as they learn to move on while still remembering.
In meteorology, afterglow refers to the last waves of beautiful pink/golden light left behind as the sun sets in the sky. In this song, afterglow represents holding onto the beautiful memories and parts of a person that you’ve left behind, and appreciating those things while still allowing the sun to set on your time together. It’s about the process of grieving but still living at the same time.”
