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Auras: New Generation

AOR/Melodic Rock

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Frontiers Records
www.myspace.com/auraaor
www.frontiers.it
Review: Craig Hartranft,  04.04.2010

Auras, hailing from Brazil, is the first artist from South America signed to Italy's Frontiers Records, and New Generation is their debut. The title is apt as Auras is another generation of melodic rock in the 80's tradition. Their music is clearly from that AOR playbook, and reflects the influences of Journey, Survivor, Toto, et al. The similarities are so prevalent to make one wonder if they will find anything new in these 12 songs. The answer is, not really.

Yet, on New Generation, Auras nails their chosen genre with style and precision for an entertaining result. Nevertheless, within the first two songs you will 'get' what is going on throughout this work. In this sense there's an overwhelming sense of mundane consistency. Except for a few songs, nothing really 'pops' on this disc. Unlike their elder cousins, Journey et al, Auras songs often don't soar or have a punch to them that makes them memorable. Exceptions could include Beauty of Dreams or Out of Love, but that's a small few. Otherwise, it was way too easy to hit the skip button. Frankly, this monotony can be tedious; as I listened to this while driving, the music nearly soothed me into dangerous driving complacency.

While Auras can be commended for their masterful imitation of all things 80's AOR, one thing that annoyed me throughout New Generation. This was the persistent use of quirky and trivial keyboard elements. The PR sheet does not offer credit too any player for this. However, whomever it was seemed in a heavy experimentation mood. Pushing a button or two and finding an interesting sound on his new Korg, he suggested adding to this song or another. Often it doesn't work.

Nevertheless, even with it's certain predictable musical course, Auras' New Generation is promising debut of solid 80's style AOR and melodic rock from this Brazilian trio. However, I would probably encourage you to listen before you buy.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Even with it's certain predictable musical course, Auras' New Generation is promising debut of solid 80's style AOR and melodic rock from this Brazilian trio.

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