“Every cloud has a silver lining” is how Korean artist Blish begins his enigmatic first full-length album, Wanderland. The first track, Rewind, has an extended invitation with an optimistic message that begins his storytelling. Whilst the chirping birds in the background are unexpected, it’s a delightful way to accompany the vocals of both Blish and 4BOUT. Combining these small elements brings this track to life while including a mixture of genres. And even though it sounds like 100 things are happening at once, that’s the magic of this album. Luckily for us, the listeners, every song is a true gem, which leaves us with an unskippable treasure trove of interesting sounds. Dazed In White will have you gripped by the well-crafted, powerful, and harrowing spoken piece about life, alongside an immensely compelling narrative about God and the sadness that led to the artist’s inner reflections. It’s so profound that it requires multiple listens to fully internalise the depth of his message. 

Alongside his talent for songwriting, the album is jam-packed with various instruments, including hand pans. Of course, one could think this would be overpowering, but in reality, it does the opposite. For those who love listening to meditation apps to relax after a long day, they are no longer needed, as Blish has provided us with ethereal melodies that emanate from tracks such as Reminisce, creating an ideal atmosphere for one to relax .

Often, the list of songs on artists’ albums can provide little direction when it comes to storytelling; however, Blish’s tracklist reads like an open book, welcoming those in search of answers, guidance, or a safe space through the music he provides. Wanderland encourages you to confront your feelings, with Morrow leading you to seek that aforementioned comfort. The term ‘morrow’ is defined as the next day or the morning, implying that the artist could be bidding farewell to the darkness and that, no matter the circumstances, each day brings the chance to start afresh. But it’s the musicality that keeps you engaged, one that can only be described as otherworldly because of its all-encompassing sounds.

Having said that, two songs that I consider the standouts of this album are Hope Rest (featuring Shelhiel) and Carry On. Without hope, courage, and love what else is there? If you’ve ever wondered what true happiness feels like, Hope Rest captures these morals beautifully within the 3-minute track. The song’s charm lies in Blish and Shelhiel’s mellifluous vocals that gently draw your attention. Carry On is a sentiment that strikes a chord with many of us, myself included. It is a gentle reminder to push through life’s challenges and to discover the joy in each moment. Finding a song that not only brings such a relatable, uplifting message but also blusters the perfect musical scenery, is truly a breath of fresh air. In Carry On, lively rhythms and soulful R&B tones intertwine effortlessly, bringing renewed vitality to the song as well.

The Meaning We Wander can only be described as a work of art. Similar to the album’s opening, which featured the natural sounds of the birds, the ending is differentiated by Blish’s spoken word piece, through his narration his words are carried by the melody of the piano that washes over like a gentle wave. Whilst it may be short and to the point, it offers a sparkle of light giving a beautiful end to the album. 

Defining the sound of this album proves challenging but in a good way. With Blish’s intimate exhibition of thoughts, a narrative to which we, the listeners, are invited, the singer lets us know that we are not alone in our thoughts. By acknowledging our feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and trials, they can all be shared and relieved through the beauty of music. Just like Blish reminds us, “Still Believe in Good Days.”

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Written by Kirsty Bright

Featured image courtesy of Blish

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