SHREDnews

By: Steph Mirsky

From Boston, MA comes the band Rescue Aurora; a band that brings the most refreshing female vocals since Hayley Williams and a powerful alternative rock sound, rivaling that of VersaEmerge, to back it up.  This five-piece band is fronted by Brittany Flynn (vocals) with support from Cooper Heinrichs (guitar, backup vocals), John Boles (guitar, backup vocals), Lauren Baker (bass), and Jesse Hangen (drums).  Rescue Aurora formed in early 2008 and in two short years have released two EPs and self-toured extensively throughout the New England area.  Their latest release Things We Promised to Keep, produced by Bryan Russell (The Academy Is…, Straylight Run, Envy on the Coast), is a beautiful synthesis of aggression and intimacy.  Traces of passion found throughout the EP are what truly set Rescue Aurora apart from other bands in their sub-genre.

Things We Promised to Keep opens with “Chances,” a song that blends hard rifts with smooth transitional parts to create a unique opening to the EP.  The moment Flynn’s vocals hit the track, the listener is presented with a calming element that is ever-present.  Her vocal range is impressive and the melody of the song creates an up-tempo feeling with a touch of angst that sets the stage for the remainder of the EP.  Moving into the second song “Make This Real,” Rescue Aurora presents the softer side of the band’s sound.  The track is more pop influenced: heavily lyrical with musical interludes that build to a fast, uplifting chorus despite the theme of uncertainty of love that is woven throughout the song.

In the middle of the EP, Rescue Aurora attempts to demonstrate their versatility as a band.  “Until You Say So” is a power rock song with a melody that represents a more power-pop alternative rock band.  Following it comes “Grand Ideas,” a song that straddles the alternative rock and power rock genres.  Although I enjoy both songs, it seems as though Rescue Aurora is simply trying to avoid being compared to genre leaders and older heavy hitters such as Paramore, Evanescence, and Flyleaf, instead of focusing on harnessing a truly unique sound.  By incorporating elements of other rock genres they are able to diversify their sound, which offers both positive and negative aspects for their listeners.

Rescue Aurora closes Things We Promised to Keep with two exceedingly strong tracks that completely contrast each other.  “Resolve” is a very upbeat song with strong guitar pieces that highlight the bands talent and beautifully compliment Flynn’s vocals.  On this track the band showed their ability to transition between slow verses and an empowering chorus to create a beautiful sound that they should focus on perfecting.  On closing the EP with title track “Things We Promised to Keep,” Rescue Aurora showcases the height of their talents.  This is a beautiful song that is lyrically driven with soft instrumental pieces that drives the theme of the song home and touches the hearts of its listeners.  This song is Rescue Aurora at their best and shows the force that this band has the potential to become.

In the end, this is a strong EP for such a young band.  It shows their maturity as a band and the potential they have for the future.  Flynn’s vocals are truly inspiring and with some focus and direction this band will develop their true sound and become the next band to lead the female-fronted movement.

For Fans Of: VersaEmerge // Lydia // Kenotia

Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10

Top Track to Listen To: “Things We Promised to Keep” // “Make This Real” // “Chances”