Auras
New Generation
Label: Frontiers Records
Release date: 04.06.10
By: ~ Lana Cooper

The title of Brazilian rock band, Auras' debut disc, "New Generation" seems like a misnomer, considering that it invokes the feel of the late '70s and early '80s all over again. If by "New Generation," the band means resurrecting radio-friendly arena rock in the vein of Journey, Chicago, and Loverboy for music fans in the 21st century -- the term fits. 

Auras' sound is about as far removed from the Sepultura school of Brazilian thrash that the South American country is known for. They're extremely melodic and border on rock-tinged '80s pop more so than metal.  Once you remove any expectations of banging your head to the disc's thirteen well-crafted tracks, "New Generation" is actually a good album for its genre and what it sets out to accomplish.

It's downright uncanny that a gang of Brazilian musicians in 2010 can make you feel like you've been thrown into a time machine, landing amidst candy pink taffeta and skinny ties as some random prom theme by Journey plays over the school P.A.  Lead vocalist Gui Oliver possesses a vocal range similar to Steve Perry.  In fact, there are times when listening to "New Generation" that you'd swear that it was Steve the Schnozz himself intoning plaintively on lovely ballads such as "In My Arms"  and "Forever In Your Eyes."

Begun as a full-fledged original project by Gui Oliver and guitarist Ferpa Lacerda, the duo tired of languishing in cover bands and wanted an outlet for original music.  By a stroke of luck, they managed to land acclaimed jazz drummer Edu Sallam and studio musicians Matheus Brandon (guitars, background vocals) and Hemerson Viera (bass) before beginning work on "New Generation" in 2007 and subsequently, landing a deal with Frontiers Records.

Lyrically, Auras comes across as a little generic. You're not going to hear any angsty anthems or tales of grit and grime.  The bulk of Auras' songs are pretty treatises on love that feel like the sort of thing you'd sway back and forth to at a high school prom in the early '80s: dreamy and optimistic, but lacking in punch, power, and real substance. 

Where Auras shines, however, are their complex, nearly-orchestral arrangements.  The guitars shimmer and each of the pieces meld together in a melodic mélange that's practically flawless. There are no face-melting solos, but rather intricately woven sounds working with, rather than against Oliver's vocals. The musicianship of the band cannot be denied, nor can their passion for creating something that dares to be different from what's currently popular. 

Musically, Auras' sound is airtight even if their lyrics leave something to be desired. Even if Auras aren't exactly your cup of tea, you can't help but root for the underdogs.  In a day and age of prefabricated sounds and trendy genres garnering the eyes and ears of music fans, it's refreshing to hear a band attempting to do something new -- even if it is a bit of a throwback to an overlooked period of music. 

Track Listing:

Beauty of Dreams

Forgive and Forget

Never Give Up

In My Arms

Reach Out

New Generation

Forever In Your Eyes

Hungry Hearts

That's the Way Love Goes

Keep on Loving You

Out of Love

Love to Survive