Album Review: The Light

The Light is multi-genre guitarist, singer, and songwriter Dylan’s 7th album release after a break of 14 years since 2012’s Life.

Dylan Wade Lajunen has resided in the Coromandel for almost 40 years and has been a stalwart of the local music scene. The Light was recorded live at Roundhead Studios as part of his Master’s studies. Ten local and international artists contributed to the album.

This album is sophisticated, showcasing the songwriting talents and musical abilities of Dylan and his chosen musicians. The compositions are thoughtful, with a gorgeous interplay between various instruments. At times they weave skillfully amongst each other and at other times specific instruments take centre stage to showcase their players’ skill.

The first track Celtiki is a great example of this, as well as the extended instrumentals on Coromandel Gold and Into The Light. You will be taken on a musical journey that covers many different genres including Blues, Classical, Folk and Rock. All styles are expertly executed.

The Light appears to be crafted to tout Dylan Wade as a modern-day Messiah. The album cover features a very Jesus-like depiction of the artist apparently illuminated in white light. The heavenly choir that is the intro and outro to track 3 Into The Light, also feeds into this concept.

Perhaps if you’re looking for an instruction manual on how to become a decent human being this could be a means to do so through exploring themes which include strong social responsibility and existentialism alongside deep questions to ponder on such as “what is freedom?” as well as the blistering “how can you sleep at night or are you blindly drunk on that blood you call wine?”

I’m not personally looking for a Messiah, but I do buy into Dylan’s lyrical messages. I finished the album feeling light as a feather and spiritually nourished.

Initially I found the intros of the first three tracks a little overly contrived and was pleasantly surprised by the pure enjoyment I had in the songs after sticking it out to get to the real nitty-gritty. Track 4 Music Is Medicine onwards felt deliciously natural and had me hooked from there on in.

Highlights for me included The Wheel – a sea shanty (yet not!) that had me feeling safely cocooned, surrounded by delicious melodies and a rolling rhythm.

Daughter of the Universe puts me at risk of sounding like a giddy teenager when I state “OMG! If someone were to write me a love song, I’d like it to be this one please.”

Caitlin Smith’s backing vocals are an absolute delight, weaving melodically with Dylan’s vocals, adding just the right amount of grit in the right places.

This album holds so many highlights I recommend you experience them for yourself.