IO EARTH – Aura (2020)
The progressive scene often favors technical achievement over melodic inspiration, it takes guts to focus on the latter. That is exactly what IO EARTH (Infinite Ocean Earth) has done on their latest album, “Aura”. This band led by Dave Cureton (Guitars, Vocals) and Adam Gough (Keyboards, Vocals) from Birmingham, UK, focuses on melody, with exquisite prog arrangements and pristine production.
IO EARTH sound is something totally unique, seamlessly joining genres hand in hand with a united, eclectic, and soulful style. Everything from prog-rock to rock&pop to cinematic to classical is represented into their music. That is what Cureton set out to accomplish since founded the band in 2006.
“Aura” is exactly what I wanted to hear in a prog rock album this year. It focuses on illustrious, striking melodies and on an eclectic array of sounds, tones, and visages. Though electric guitar is very much present, the album cleverly blend all instruments into a tune with sheer beauty.
It features at least three vocalists, Cureton, Gough and female singer Rosanna Lefevre. It is simultaneously haunting and classy, organic, harmonious and rhythmic. It makes you feel beauty, despair, hope, and edification. It isn’t afraid to linger upon attractive atmospheres that are simply good for your soul.
In fact, this entire album is like a palette cleanser for your spirit.
The album starts with the title song, ‘Aura’. Immediately in the first second there is a kind of drop that falls in an ambient-like way, it is a relaxed opening, slightly layed back. There is some harmony between Dave and Rosanna, a nice guitar and keyboard lines. Slowly the music swells a bit, the music becomes fuller and Dave puts down a heck of a solo on his guitar, very emotional.
“Waterfall” is a slow burn, zeroing in on atmosphere and luscious vocal harmonies at first. Slowly, it builds into a grand cascade of sounds, guitar solos, and glorious keys, leaving you feeling triumphant in its wake.
“Circles” is a haunting, dewy track that floats in a hazy mist. It feels evocative and omnipresent. Then “Shadows” is pure cinema, exploring human decay and devastation. It is a vivid track, though, one that will stay with you.
All three of these tracks are truly outstanding.
The final track is definitely one of the best prog compositions this year so far. “The Rain”, at 18 minutes in length, is such a beautiful, powerful song on multiple levels. Firstly, the music, rhythms, and especially acoustic guitars are all perfect, and the mix really brings them out, making them feel larger than life.
But there is more to this song. Near the end, we hear various voices expressing what makes them happy and what makes them sad. The song leans heavily into hope and the human dream; and, as these voices fade, Rosanna’s vocals come back to us one last time. She sounds emotional and pensive, and I think this portion is her best performance on the record.
Strapping on your headphones, this song is a desperately sensitive experience.
Well, what more can I say about ‘Aura’ than it’s an unparalleled album, the kind of melodic prog you want to listen to every day, it is hypnotic, wonderful, and production is excellent.
Highly Recommended
01 – Aura
02 – Waterfall
03 – Breathe
04 – Resonance I
05 – Circles
06 – Shadows
07 – Resonance II
08 – The Rain
Dave Cureton – Guitars, Vocals
Adam Gough – Keyboards, Vocals
Luke Shingler – Soprano Sax, Flute
Jez King – Violin
Christian Nokes – Bass Guitar
Tim Wilson – Drums, Percussion
Rosanna Lefevre – Vocals
BUY IT
ioearth.com/product/io-earth-aura-cd/
