Dylan Tori – “Wish You Were Here” Review

November 5, 2025Local Artists, New Music, New Single, Reviews Comments (0)

Dylan Tori – “Wish You Were Here” Review

Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.

Dylan Tori’s latest single, “Wish You Were Here,” is an exquisite blend of Americana, country, and alt-rock soulfulness — a heartfelt meditation on memory, loss, and the people who shape who we are. Released on 31 October and produced by Mark Beling, the track feels both intimate and cinematic, like a quiet confession whispered beneath a wide, open sky.

The song’s emotional gravity lies in its simplicity. Built on warm acoustic guitar and tender pedal steel textures, it moves with a steady heartbeat — gentle, unhurried, and deeply human. Dylan’s voice carries the kind of vulnerability that can’t be faked; it trembles slightly at the edges, rich with nostalgia and love. His performance feels like a letter written to someone who will never read it, yet somehow, you can still feel them listening.

Lyrically, “Wish You Were Here” captures that dual ache of grief and gratitude — the way memories comfort us even as they remind us of what’s been lost. Lines linger like the scent of rain on dust, and each verse feels like turning another worn photograph in your hands.

Knowing that Dylan wrote the song after losing his father gives every note an added weight. The sincerity of his dedication — “I love you, Dad. I wish you were here.” — resonates far beyond the personal, inviting listeners to reflect on their own goodbyes.

Musically, the track’s balance between country roots and alt-rock ambience gives it a timeless quality. It wouldn’t be out of place on a film soundtrack or in the quiet moment after a long drive home — where silence feels sacred, and every chord seems to echo with someone’s memory.

In a world that often rushes past its emotions, “Wish You Were Here” pauses, breathes, and reminds us to cherish those still by our side. It’s not just a song — it’s a keepsake.

A beautifully sincere and hauntingly tender tribute. Dylan Tori has crafted his most personal and resonant work yet — one that turns loss into light.