Scharliina’s debut album, “Darkness to a Fairytale,” feels like an invitation into her world, where music becomes a means of healing the soul, or perhaps even a step toward inner balance. From the very first tracks, it’s clear that this album doesn’t aim to fit into traditional musical genres or cater to radio stations. Scharliina has clearly chosen to focus on something more meaningful. The album is infused with a concept that, to say the least, goes beyond the conventional understanding of pop music.

photo by @scharliinaa

When Scharliina chooses frequencies of 432Hz and 528Hz for her songs, you inevitably wonder: Is this a technical move or a marketing trick? According to her, these frequencies have been proven to positively impact the mental and emotional state of listeners. It’s easy to be skeptical of such claims, but as you immerse yourself in her music, you start to feel something special. The music here seems to reach deeper, touching the most intimate corners of consciousness and making you reflect.

The themes that Scharliina addresses in her album are both relevant and compelling. She speaks about what surrounds us, about social issues that are often silenced or ignored. And she does it in a way that makes you feel she genuinely cares. In her voice, in the lyrics of her songs, you can hear sincere concern for the world and its people, for everyone to find their place in the sun and achieve inner harmony.

One might expect that such themes and approaches would create a sense of dissonance, but Scharliina finds a balance. Her music doesn’t overwhelm or cause sadness or anxiety; on the contrary, it gently guides you, as if saying, “Everything will be okay, just trust.” This album is a kind of audio therapy that, while it may not solve all your problems, will certainly help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The album opens with the track “Running”—a delicate acoustic ballad that’s perfect for the most vulnerable moments. Scharliina’s voice flows effortlessly, with a pop-infused tone that instantly evokes a sense of comfort and relaxation. “Running” is an excellent start to a significant release, full of subtle moods. Scharliina skillfully incorporates ambient elements, giving the sound more space.

Then comes “Little Girl,” where Scharliina tackles the complex theme of childhood trauma and abuse. It’s no surprise that this track soared to the top of the iTunes charts in Finland. Her soulful vocals, shimmering beat, and rich arrangement filled with strings create an ethereal atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. This is a song that absolutely deserves a spot in your playlist.

photo by @scharliinaa

In “Maybe,” the piano particularly stands out, taking center stage, while Scharliina’s performance feels so intimate and close, as if she’s whispering directly into your ear. The tenderness and lightness of this track make it the epitome of dreamy music. The slow unfolding of the melody grabs you from the very first notes, and its hit-worthy structure makes it already primed for airplay.

“Pieces of Me” is a powerful statement from Scharliina. The vocals, like notes suspended in air, and the warm keyboard chords create an atmosphere that literally seeps under your skin. She dedicated this track to victims of child sexual abuse, and you can feel it in every note, in every word. The arrangement, sophisticated and layered, with voluminous, airy pads, makes this track the heart of the entire album “Darkness to a Fairytale.” A slight change in sound occurs in “11:11,” where Scharliina’s vocals take on an otherworldly quality, literally soaring above the guitar riffs and disintegrating into echoes like ice crystals.

But “Paradigm” is a different story altogether. It’s one of the first tracks written for the album, and it immediately grabs attention with its flawlessness. This is the kind of song you can effortlessly enjoy during your free time, whether it’s at a party or a quiet evening at home. The commercial sound with a pulsating beat makes the track memorable and hard to forget.

The final track, “Fairytale,” is the culmination of the entire journey Scharliina has taken throughout the album. It’s like the final brushstroke on a canvas: the theme of transformation that runs through the entire album reaches its climax in this track. Everything here sounds liberated, as if Scharliina is finally finding her wings.

In “Darkness to a Fairytale,” Scharliina transforms into a guiding star for those lost in their own emotions. And while this is just her debut, the album reveals that Scharliina possesses a rare gift—the ability to create music that resonates deeply and helps heal the soul.

One can debate the scientific accuracy and effectiveness of the chosen frequencies, and her social views may be up for discussion, but one thing remains constant: Scharliina creates music that touches you and stays with you for a long time. And that is, perhaps, the most important criterion for any musician.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub