Coromandel’s Dylan uplifts and confronts with raw, lucid guitar-driven offering ‘The Light’

DYLAN has released his long-awaited seventh album, ‘The Light,’ on March 22nd. 

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Dylan Wade Lajunen has had a lot of experience with making music. A prominent figure in the Coromandel Peninsula music scene, he has toured extensively in New Zealand and abroad.

In the 1990s, he fronted the psych-rock/blues/funk outfit Castle Rock, who were the first act to take Coromandel music to the rest of New Zealand. Since then, he has performed and recorded with various lineups and obtained a Master of Arts specialising in Music.

‘The Light’ is DYLAN’s first release since the episodically eclectic ‘Life’ (2012) and his strongest work to date. It was recorded live at Roundhead Studios as part of Dylan’s Masters studies and features tasteful support from ten local and international artists.

These include masterful drums by Dylan’s long-time bandmate Yair Katz, soulful bass by Wouter Schild, keys by award-winning accompanist and composer Liam Ryan, vocals by powerhouse vocalist Caitlin Smith, flute from fellow Coromandel legend Helen Lee and others.

Apart from Katz and Smith, who were based in Auckland, all musicians heard on ‘The Light’ resided on the Coromandel Peninsula at the time of its recording.

Drawing on various influences such as rock, folk, reggae and others, ‘The Light’ has a raw, organic guitar-driven sound. In his lyrics, Dylan brings both fight and introspection. Probing at the heart of the human condition, he tackles complex themes of healing and the meaning of freedom. He isn’t afraid to confront, but DYLAN’s aim is always to uplift, to grow towards The Light.

Release by Nur Peach

Listen to DYLAN below

https://dylanz.bandcamp.com/album/the-light