EP REVIEW: Auraboros – Absent

’…a bristling, theatrical affair across the EP, as it succeeds at bringing its own ambitious sense of scale to life…’

Manchester’s heavy scene is alive and thriving right now. From the alternative metal antics of the great nothing, to the powerful theatrical emo of The Throwaway Scene, there is a real sense of community that is pushing artists to produce more exciting material than ever. This is incredibly true of the four-piece Auraboros.

The band have been tearing up live stages in the north west for a while now, and now look towards their debut headline show on the 13th. Ahead of this, the band have finally dropped their debut EP, ‘Absent’, and solidify their reputation as one of the brightest hidden gems in heavy music right now.

Auraboros do not sit comfortably into one singular genre. Certainly, there is a solid backbone of metalcore here, but the sound is entwined and embellished with ideas you may find in post-hardcore, hardcore punk, and even industrial. Some tracks feature immensely catchy choruses, whilst others carry barely any semblance of structure, existing as hauntingly abrasive musical experiences. This makes for a bristling, theatrical affair across the EP, as it succeeds at bringing its own ambitious sense of scale to life.

With stellar performances throughout, vocalist Aisling Killey uses the EP to bleed herself dry of all of her anger and despair; it sometimes makes for an incredibly uncomfortable listen, especially during the likes of ‘Silverdale Blues’. A visceral and disconcerting exposé of the transfemme experience, Killey dives deep into her traumatic experiences, delivering lines such as ‘I’m not the man you want me to be/You can argue with the voice in my head’ and ‘Well your face just looks like that/No matter which way the wind blows’ as she openly and painfully grapples with the social and physical weight of transition, delivered with a violent, desperate ferocity.

‘Contemplating’ explores those concepts of loss of self and feeling ostracised by society further, but this time backed by a far punchier and clean cut metalcore approach. Immense, soaring choruses deliver shockingly catchy melodies deep into your brain, whilst the fast-paced and energetic verses simply beg to be performed live. A vocal feature from the great nothing’s Leo Craig in the verse is a perfect addition to the track, especially as he joins Killey during an explosive climax to the track. There’s a chemistry between the two vocalists that is simply undeniable.

Of course, great vocal performances are nothing if not backed by great instrumentals, and thankfully Auraboros exceeds on that front too. Whether through the winding slow-burner of ‘Ever’, or the unsettling ambience of ‘Monoxide’, how this band approaches heavy music is electrifyingly relevant, yet deeply distinct; there is no mistaking an Auraboros track, the band performing as a singular, purposeful, powerful unit.

Is it truly surprising, however, that a queer outfit would push the boundaries of a scene they perform in? What Auraboros represents is that people who have felt unwelcome in rock music for far too long not only deserve a place, but should be acknowledged for the forwards-thinking art they produce.

’Absent’ appears almost like the shadow of something far grander that may exist in the future of Auraboros. It’s an exciting, cohesive, and compelling listen that not only exists as it’s own striking piece of sonic art, but makes you wonder just what a full-length record from this band might look like. The best time to start listening to them was yesterday; the second best time is right now.

RATING: 85/100 – Mostly Excellent

For Fans Of: Ice Nine Kills, Thousand Below, Nine Inch Nails, Knocked Loose, Void Of Vision

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify