Drawing us in with an astral guitar performance and textured, rolling drums, expanding with a high octane switch-up, Harry Kappen opens Balance with dimensionality and cinematic intrigue before sharing philosophical prose about the current state of reality.

We appreciate the dynamism that the track exudes, tapping into a high emotional quotient with the chords. “Justice for all, and not just for some…” sings Harry as he shares a timely anthem that calls for unity and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.

The message feels important and zeitgeist, released today on the full moon eclipse when tensions on our shared planet are some the highest we have seen in recent times. The guitar solo is epic, allowing for introspection, whilst the song itself could be perfect for a multitude of sync placements, notably a political or apocalyptic film.

There is no doubt that Balance is designed to confront the widening divisions that are shaping politics, society and cultural spheres. Through its evocative lyrics, Harry calls for open conversation. He seeks empathy and recognition of the frequently ignored space between opposing sides – he calls it “the middle spectrum.” It’s powerful music at a time when we need it the most.

Harry Kappen’s new album, After the Crossing, is also out today, and Balance is poignantly the opening track. It serves as his first release recorded after moving from Europe to Mexico, and showcases ten deeply personal songs, all played, sung and produced by Harry Kappen himself.

Born in Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands, Harry Kappen has built a career in rock bands, studio production, and music therapy, and now balances his music career with a smaller-scale therapy practice in Mexico City. 

We love the intentional depth that Harry Kappen is creating with, and have added Balance to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the entirety of After the Crossing!

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Establishing the mood with a glistening astral bell frequency, expanding with a dimensional synth crescendo into a sublime guitar soundscape, Harry Kappen opens The Longing with intrigue before singing, “Never lost the passion, still longing for your love, you’re out of sight, I’m looking for some precious moments…”

The opus trips into a bold and almost avant-garde rock energy reminiscent of early Bowie as orchestral strings evoke a James Bond 007-esque vibe, inviting us into a more dramatic universe. We appreciate the sonic ebbs and flows of the piece, keeping us enthralled throughout.

There is a cinematic allure that manifests alongside Harry Kappen‘s philosophical prose. The middle eight serves as a meditative moment before an exceptional guitar solo sends us astral. We are in awe of the instrumental mastery and the evocative build, leading us to an iconic finale!

We learn that The Longing is the latest single by Dutch musician and music therapist Harry Kappen, who is now based in Mexico City. It’s the fourth single and opening track from his upcoming album, FOUR. The song is designed to explore the eternal battle between head and heart, which is a deeply human struggle that Kappen expresses through raw emotion and his reflective lyricism.

Following the personal Courage (about his wife and move to Mexico), the political Break These Chains, and the acclaimed Be Brave If You Can, this new track delves into a more universal theme. Musically, we are obsessed with the shifts between quiet introspection and hard rock power, showcasing the artist’s dynamism and range.

Influenced by legends like Lennon & McCartney, Prince, David Bowie, Thom Yorke, Alanis Morissette, Knower, and Led Zeppelin, Kappen has crafted a sound that is authentically his own. We love what he is manifesting, and have added The Longing to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Harry Kappen‘s wider discography, and anticipate future releases from the star.

The post Harry Kappen showcases his dynamism and dimensionality with dramatic and intriguing album opener, The Longing appeared first on KIMU.