August 7 2015

A Glass Of Tears Half Empty by Aura Blaze review

Aura Blaze are a psychedelic rock group hailing from New Jersey, essentially the brainchild and creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Rhode Rachel. This self-produced single, A Glass Of Tears Half Empty, has already been released to considerable critical acclaim, and has gained national radio airplay as well as accruing the group a sizeable fanbase. Their sound is heavily influenced by the psych-rock bands of the late 60’s/70’s with more modern influences like critic’s favourites Tame Impala.

The song is a highly enjoyable six and a half minute burst of acid rock, Rhode Rachel’s voice powerful and distinctive, which gives the music the all important sense of personality, and the backing harmonies sound fantastic. Though it is indeed psychedelic, it has some surprisingly poppy elements such bright synth brass and a catchy, radio-friendly chorus. They are aspects that the ‘hipsters’ of the scene might sneer at, but it bodes well for more across the board appeal, and combining sweet melodies with raw guitars is always a potent mixture.

The second track on the single is a cover of The Crystal Ship by The Doors. Some might think it rather audacious for a psychedelic rock band to cover what is already regarded as a psychedelic classic, but this version is so trippy that it makes the original sound like muzak. Rhode Rachel’s vocals are actually perfectly suited to the song, and he takes what was a two minute crooned ballad into a sprawling nine minute odyssey full of noises so far out that you’ll think someone has slipped mescaline in your drink.

Overall, a fantastic single with both commercial potential and appeal for non-mainstream rock fans with a highly enjoyable ‘B side’, if it can be called that in this digital day and age. I’ll be looking forward to hearing a whole album with joss sticks at the ready.