Album Review: Aurorawave – Monument (Ineffable Music)

Rising SoCal based reggae rock/metal band Aurorawave will release their eagerly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Monument’, on August 15th via Ineffable Records.

A highly creative effort that has experimental alternative rock ideas, blending genres to create something that compels the body to move, but also sparks effortlessly in the mind. ‘Reggaecore’ may not be easy to define, but one listen to this album and most will have a clearer idea of what it means and why Aurorawave are such an exciting listen.

In a world of heard it all before, they really do stand out as a unique listen, and no doubt that is an aspect that encouraged so many guests to join the band on this record. After all, who wouldn’t want to be part of the next big thing?

Ok, there might be some hyperbole there, but only because I can’t guarantee that everyone will love this (who can!?) but I can guarantee that everyone who does give the album a go will come away with varied thoughts and feelings on what Aurorawave have created here. It is, undeniably, a huge accomplishment and an album that will thrill the alternative crowd hungry for fresh anthemic sounds.

Does reggae and rock go well together? Of course it does, but what Aurorawave do differently is blend reggae and metal, the harsher heaviness being transformed by the easy rhythmic beats of familiar styles but also showcasing other genre ideas. The result is something that really does sound like nothing else, even if some tracks are obviously stronger than others. Although that’s more dependent on the listener’s mileage for reggae beats and alternative rock rhythm.

Naturally that varies and tracks like Judge Me, Tibetan Sky Burial, Villain, and Welcome To Your Nightmare have more oomph for me personally than say Suffocate, Turn the Page, Seize the Day, and Throwing Shade, just because I’m not that into reggae. However, don’t think for a second that I am calling these bad tracks. Far from it, Aurorawave are very talented, thoroughly authentic, and undeniably clever, to the extent that I think those tracks could be many people’s favourite of the album. I just prefer it when they get a bit sharper and heavier.

I really do think this is a special album though, and one of the legit game-changing releases of the year. Trust me, you’ve not heard an album like this before, Aurorawave’s rise is about to get one hell of a speed injection.

Aurorawave – Monument Track Listing:

1. Judge Me (ft. Aaron Gillespie of Underoath)
2. Wave Sh-t
3. Suffocate (ft. Kumar Fyah)
4. Tibetan Sky Burial (ft. Frankie Palmeri of Emmure)
5. Turn The Page
6. Seize The Day (ft. The Movement)
7. Villain
8. Throwing Shade (ft. Jesse Royal)
9. Never Gonna Stop Us (ft. Ekoh)
10. Welcome To Your Nightmare (ft. Left To Suffer)
11. Keep The Faith

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music