Description
The Aura & Ovation is a rock band from San Diego, CA. With a focus on songwriting and arrangement, the
band combines singer/songwriter, punk, metal and rock backgrounds to create music
that is purposeful, innovative and inspiring. Their live and recorded sound is
captivating and resonates with an eclectic fan base.
Members
of the group are long time friends that have collaborated on other projects in
the past. Lead singer and guitarist Mike Strong integrates his poetry and punk
rock background into the writing of songs that speak to the struggles of a
young man. His lyrics are personal and evoke the empathy that comes with
physical and spiritual struggles and successes. Bassist Paul Philips brings the
experience of a touring musician and the ever-refreshing perspective of a dreamer
to the band. Drummer Chris Thiel is a two-time San Diego Guitar Center Drum-Off
Champion and has been eager to work on The
Aura & Ovation for years. Guitarist Jesse Richardson adds unique layers
and intricate melodies to songs while also contributing to many live and
recorded arrangements.
The Acoustic EP is a preview of
the band's debut full-length album and offers fans a sampling of the honesty,
introspection, brokenness and celebration that have become staples of Strong's
songwriting and the band's musical and personal bond. The members have lived
through many of the tragedies and triumphs of life together and this record
takes listeners on a tour through some of meaningful moments that nudge us all
toward growing up. The opening track, "Vines and Mini Blinds",
catalogues the struggle of a "good man" to overcome his fears and
vices as he is confronted with truth and hope. "House on Fire", is an
homage to hometowns and follows the struggle of a broken home and nostalgic
pain the singer feels when he realizes "he can't be the one to save
her". Intentional melodies and simple instrumentation make the guttural
lyrics of "Wind Song" and "Aurora Borealis" healing laments
of the tragic passing of Strong's father in 2011. All of the tracks are
profound and give fans emotive lyrics and melodies to absorb as they anticipate
The Aura & Ovation’s first full
album.