B-Side Guys

Violins and pianos have long served as cinema’s preferred instruments for portraying loss, but Belgian duo KOWARI transforms this familiar palette into something more nuanced. Their latest single “Mori,” featuring vocalist Benni, blends classical foundations with electronic textures to create a soundtrack for healing after heartbreak.

The collaboration between violinist Damien Chierici and pianist Louan Kempenaers emerged from their work in film scoring, and this cinematic DNA shapes every aspect of the track. Their instrumental expertise provides the song’s emotional scaffolding, while producer Jean Vanesse of GreenHouse studio adds subtle electronic elements that blur the lines between classical and contemporary approaches.

Benni’s lyrics speak of “hope erased by fog,” yet the arrangement suggests something more complex than simple despair. The metaphor of tear-stained stairs gradually regaining their color finds perfect expression in the interplay between violin and piano, each instrument taking turns leading the listener through stages of grief and acceptance.

The production demonstrates remarkable restraint, allowing space for each element to develop naturally. Classical training informs the composition without overwhelming it, while the electronic touches serve to enhance rather than modernize the traditional instrumentation. This balance speaks to both KOWARI’s artistic maturity and their willingness to push beyond conventional genre boundaries.

As a preview of their forthcoming album, “Mori” suggests KOWARI has found a distinctive voice at the intersection of classical composition and contemporary production. The result feels both timeless and immediate – perfect for winter contemplation, yet resistant to simple seasonal categorization.