Aurora Clara: IV

If you are a viewer of In The Prog Seat on Sea of Tranquility’s YouTube channel, you know we have gushed over this band for some time. The boys are back with their fourth release aptly titled IV, and their sound is intact. Guitarist and main songwriter Raul Mannola is in fine form, ripping solos with a rawness akin to John McLaughlin, and I absolutely love it. That is countered by the sweet sounds of flute from Juan Carlos Aracil, the combination works.

Without question “The Last Candles� is probably my favorite track. This is where the band is at full power, solos aplenty, and everyone gets a crack at it. But, I have to go back to how powerful they can be, and at times it feels they are right on the edge, for a studio recording, they really go for it when the song calls for that abandon. At the same time, the song has moments of where the music goes from intense to a dreamy backdrop of keys and acoustic guitar. This only reinforces the power when they step on the gas. “Five Sisters� is another rocker, I like the groove in this one, and the electric keys solo is one of my favorite moments on the album.

The band steps back on the acoustic-based “Song to John�, Mannola’s guitar work is beautiful and as you would imagine the flute adds so much flavor. “End of January� adds some saxophone which is a nice addition, and the song fluctuates, starting as a mellow keyboard-based song, but it continues to build and closes with an extended flute solo. “Maktub� has a hypnotic almost psychedelic quality as the band solos over the top. The closer “One For The Road� is heavy, rocking and they go for broke. Raul’s guitar absolutely smokes, I could listen to this on repeat all day. As you would expect, the other members get their moment, and nothing is wasted.

We have another excellent album from Aurora Clara, keep it up boys, you’ve put out another winner!!

Track List:
1. The Last Candles
2. Five Sisters
3. Song to John
4. End of January
5. Maktub (for Sami and Laura)
6. One For The Road

Added: July 23rd 2024
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 1388
Language: english

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