Darkness to a Fairytale, the debut album from Scharliina, beautifully explores transformation and healing following personal trauma. This work is especially written for victims of childhood trauma and abuse; the healing frequencies of 432Hz and 528Hz are utilized aptly throughout, with each half of the collection dedicated to one of these frequencies. The production and songwriting effectively portrays a personal journey from initial pain to uplifting change.
The opening track, “Running,” sends chills with the admission, “I don’t know where I belong.” The production weaves tender piano and string-laden reflections, escalating in intensity as the lyrics aspire to “look on the bright side.” Chamber-pop and sincere balladry intertwine, culminating in a percussive chorus that ponders how one can become “so lost.” Early on, Darkness to a Fairytale establishes itself as an emotive tour de force, balancing heartfelt themes with a melodically memorable spirit.
It’s easy to understand why the next track, “Little Girl,” reached #1 on iTunes in Finland. Described as “a healing anthem for those who have faced childhood trauma and abuse,” it resonates with passion and wisdom, evolving from quaint piano to pattering rhythmic growth. The lyrics describe a protagonist carrying inner demons, striving to prevail despite the acknowledgment that “no one is there to save her life.” The track’s powerful catharsis, culminating as the protagonist leaves home, is deeply moving.
Following this, “Beauty and the Beast” delivers a powerful ballad about moving on, with a climactic unraveling that infuses soaring strings and sporadic percussion. The gripping vocal performance asks, “How does it feel to have my blood on your hands?” as the swelling strings culminate. The retrospective lyrics ponder the worth of falling in love without knowing what true love is. “Maybe” also embraces a rising structure, propelled by starry-eyed strings and stirring vocals, concluding the first half with impactful resonance.
“Pieces of Me” marks the shift from 432Hz to 528Hz, continuing themes evident in “Little Girl.” This track, a tribute to survivors of childhood abuse, was performed by Scharliina at the European Parliament in Brussels. The title-refrain ascends into a higher pitch as heavenly backing vocals swell, creating an illuminated impact. The supportive tonal frequency aligns perfectly with themes of survivorship and perseverance.
The closing tracks continue to resonate, from the plucky acoustic complements within “11:11” — which proclaims an idealism where “everything you dreamt of, comes true” — to the vibrant string arrangements and enthusiastic vocals in “Paradigm.” The final track, “Fairytale,” offers synth-touched brightness that revels in personal healing, once again showcasing Scharliina’s powerful, insightful songwriting and melodic vocal ascents.
