I think the last time I blogged about Mystic Aura the band was a two-piece. Now it's just Malcolm Argyle but if anything there's been no loss in quality but, rather, a sharpening of focus as he takes control of various instruments and works his magic in the studio.
"Mediocrity" answers that age-old question: What would it have sounded like if Jaz Coleman had sung a tune with the Cocteau Twins guys back in 1983? Really nice wall of guitars here.
"Sheep Nation" follows and it's poised somewhere between goth -- like early stuff from The Cult when they were called Southern Death Cult -- and something punkier -- New Model Army maybe?
The instrumental "Storm" has a great little guitar hook and it chimes and pounds along like The Chameleons and mid-period Siouxsie and the Banshees.
"Stand Up is decidedly punky -- a full-on rocker with a nearly hardcore vibe. Really strong cut here and, once again, a listener forgets that it's Malcolm doing all the heavy lifting as this sounds remarkably like a full band here.
Statement is out next week but for now you can follow along on the official Mystic Aura Facebook page.
Here's a taste of lead track "Mediocrity"...