The Aurora Project - Shadow Border      8/10

 By Eduard Antoniu

To the best of my knowledge, no contemporary Dutch band followed in the footsteps of giant predecessor Focus. I, for one, find this somewhat surprising. Maybe none dared spoiling that legend, or maybe each strived for finding their very own niche in prog rock.

This one started as a jam group. Ten years after, they still keep the same approach to songwriting. This is somewhat reflected by the inconsistency of their compositions. Their sophomore release showcases the guitar work of Remco van den Berg and Marc Vooys, which flows gently as a dove’s flight or floats above all the other instruments. Unlike guitars, the role of the keyboards on this album is somehow limited and mostly textural.

Synth pulses from Marcel Guyt, ricocheting on a known opening theme and sustained by Joris Bol’s thunderous drumming, introducing you to the “Human Gateway”. Here, Dennis Binnekade has the magic and the mystery of an explorer of lost civilizations. Through most of the album, he sings in an affected tone like Peter Hammill but in a register that is closer to Steve Hogarth, Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash) and Gilbert Gandil (Pulsar).

“The Trial” blends pop rhythms, allusive themes and more introspective parts. And Binnekade’s voice sometimes reaches the cynicism in Roger Waters’s. This is extended in “Another Dream”, where Rob Krijgsman’s otherwise thumping bass becomes quieter.

“Photonic Reunion” starts slowly, with flute synth, and then turns into typical neo-prog of the early to mid-‘80s. “The Confesssion” spectacularly builds tension with nostalgic chords but then refuses to dwell on it, only alternates explosion with quieter lamenting.

“Within the Realms” (“Realms of a Dream” says the booklet but the title change is better since this track follows after “Another Dream”) is unimpressive, like late ‘80s-early ‘90s Marillion, except for a recorded narration that is superimposed on spacey atmosphere.

The title track is a 16-minute suite, where the aimless strumming meets some aggressive metal and a typical Floydian song fadeout. Its last quarter, with both synthesized and human chorals, progresses into a really beautiful, grandiose finale with amazing guitar work.  “A shadow border appears in my awareness, drawing a line”, sings Binnekade. It’s the lyric that includes the title of an album with introspective reflections on humankind.

Guitarist/vocalist, Remco van den Berg seems to also be a gifted graphic artist as well. He authors the artwork, which is as dark and austere as the 54-minute album.

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