My review of Dylan Wright’s EP, Half a World Away, has been a long time coming. I intended to write it before I left for New Zealand, but time got away. And then I had my car accident, and I started to wonder whether it was even relevant anymore given that this EP dropped in October. But then I started to think about it, and I didn’t want you guys to miss it, especially considering Dylan has just been named as Tina Arena’s support on her upcoming tour.
This isn’t your typical post-Idol release. It’s better than that. There are no covers. There’s not even his winner’s single. It’s just fantastic, original music that really showcases who Dylan is. His words, his voice.
The opening track “Little Lost” is the perfect introduction to this collection of songs. It’s warm and stripped back, anchored by Dylan’s vocals and acoustic guitar. Its classic sound makes me hungry for road trips. He takes things up a notch with “All I Need, a darker song driven by yearning and heart. There’s a similar vibe to “Back to You.” We didn’t see this brooding side on Idol, but gritty tracks like these provide great contrast to the lighter moments. “Mess of a Man” may be my favourite song on this EP. It’s so raw and honest. At a time when we still expect men to be so strong, it’s refreshing to hear one share their broken parts. Dylan’s love for his family was well-documented through his Idol journey, so it’s only fitting that he shares a little of his joy surrounding that with us too. “Old Oak Tree” is such a beautiful, uplifting song about legacy and tradition, a celebration of the best parts of the human experience. The gospel-tinged title track shows us a different sound, one that hints that Dylan has more to share in the future.
Recording an EP, with six quality tracks, is a smart choice. Dylan could have taken more time and released an album, but dropping Half a World Away instead capitalises on his moment in the sun, ensuring we get to really know him and don’t forget him like so many people who’ve taken the Idol crown in the past. Could he be the one to reverse that Idol trend? It’s too early to say, but I really hope so. As I mentioned, Dylan will tour Australia with Tina Arena next year. Presale tickets are available now for the following shows ahead of tomorrow’s general sale:
27 April 2025 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
29 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
30 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
4 May 2025 – Evan Theatre, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
6 May 2025 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
8 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
9 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
17 May 2025 – Munro Martin Parklands, Gimuy/Cairns
20 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 May 2025 – The Star, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 May 2025 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide
Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia; main photo credit: Marissa Mills