Lathe Of Heaven: Aurora (transparent blue vinyl) LP

Lathe Of Heaven return with their second full-length album, "Aurora", a bold expansion of their sonic and thematic palette that unfolds like a series of vivid, emotional vignettes. "Aurora" is an iteration of Lathe Of Heaven's sound previously unexplored, one that offers a delicate balance of their punk roots with captivating new wave and 1980s post-punk aesthetics, incorporating influences from mid-80s British and Finnish post-punk, combined with subtle nuances from 90s and contemporary underground pop. Recorded with Ben Greenberg at Circular Ruin and mastered by Brad Boatright, the album sonically is inspired by The Cure's melodic rock, Musta Paraati's gothic post-punk synth and intense drumming, and A Flock Of Seagulls' art pop vocals and guitar riffs. Lyrically, "Aurora" doesn't shy away from heavy themes. Envisioned as a collection of sci-fi short stories, it is deeply influenced and lyrically driven by themes of anti-colonialism, diversity, and equality. These stories are inspired by Ursula K. le Guin, Octavia Butler, Greg Egan, and Peter Watts' novels, leading listeners to mythical, bold, and somewhat unnerving realities.