Artist: AURORA
Single: Philosophy
Release date: 02.12.28

Track listing:
1. Indispensable [2:44]
2. Philosophy [5:34]
3. Inferior [5:25]

My first impression was of how the sound seemed quite distinct to the late 90's and early 2000's J-rock scene. There is the use of the synth constantly in the background, and a more melodic and softer guitar sound. The vocals merge with the music, and at times blend in to the point where it is not that distinctive from the music. Perhaps it was the recording, because from what I know, they did not make that many presses of this album, and were of course only an indie band. Sadly, AURORA disbanded in 2004. It is really hard to find information about them, and I have only come across one fan site, but the site, like the band, seems to be defunct now.

The single opens up with 'Indispensable' (2:44 minutes). The beginning vocals are soft, and most of the last syllables of each phrase are drawn out. There is a steady beat accented with the cymbal. I didn't find this song to be really catchy, and there is nothing that pops out or makes it very distinctive. A nice melodic arc in the 49 second mark. Somehow the guitars here reminded me a little of a Charlotte song. Not very fast rifts, and a certain pattern is interjected every now in then. It is generally after that small guitar section that one can make out the bass a little better. The first verse is repeated around 1:30.

Their title track is a little more upbeat. Here, you can definately hear the bass which lends a nice quality to the song because of its distinctive rift. If one were to stumble across a rare Aurora song, this is probably the one you would find (they are rather obscure and forgotten, sadly). In the first track, the bass seemed to be used sparingly, but here, it is the opposite. The soft rumbling quality is consistent throughout, and is joined with a four note pattern repeated throughout the song. There is some quick, soft distorted electric guitar picking, but I find that the bass is in the spot light in this song… even the vocals lend themself to it, and may perhaps even be secondary to my ears. The chorus in "Philosophy" is catchier, and you can't help but hum or sing along. Around the three minute mark, there is a bass solo joined with very little percussion. Around eight seconds in, there is a distinct guitar rift. It is perhaps the only notable guitar sequence in this song. I think it has an 'air guitaring worthy' quality to it. Definately one of my favourite songs from Aurora. I just love the bass! Hahaha.

The last song on the disk is "Inferior". Here, I thought I heard some low, slow clonky keyboarding at the beginning, but I think its just a slightly distorted bass after all. Aurora's music has a yearning, and slightly sad air, and this song is definately no exception. Perhaps I wouldn't compare the feeling to that of Dir en Grey's アクロの丘 [Akuro no Oka], but it is a little mournful. The falsetto is sparingly applied, and it seems to just reverbrate that sense of yearning and loss.

I would recommend this album, especially if one wants to expand their J-rock repertoire. You might have to listen carefully to pick up bits of the guitar, or bass, but they are certainly different from the slightly theatrical MUCC, upbeat-y SID, or darker D'espairs Ray. ;P Its too bad they've disbanded, because I'm curious as to the sound they'll produce next!