Aura marks a resurgence of sorts for veteran quasi goth-rock lads the Mission U.K. Get past the fact that at times, this sounds like a U2 tribute disc comprised of original songs—with the to-be-expected Cure and Zep lashings cobbled in as well—and you’ll recognize this as the band’s best disc since its glory days of the mid-’80s/early ’90s. Running the gamut from trippy to poppy to hard’n’heavy, the 14 tracks (one hidden) each have something to offer. Founder and singer Wayne Hussey’s lyrics range from arcane to lame, but his best moments are worth the price of admission. The single “Evangeline” is a high point with its pop-rock sonics and S&M storyline, while “Lay Your Hands on Me” brings on a foreboding vibe and Messianic imagery. After a few listens, the derivativeness will fade away, and Aura may just become your new guilty pleasure.—AZ
