L'aura
Okumuki

Perhaps there was no need… for another review on L’aura's debut; but I believe I can change your mind about this singer from Brescia, with a unique voice and almost "hermetic" lyrics.

L’aura is on that thin line, between the déjà vu and originality. Indeed, “Okumuki” is a rich, heterogeneous album and in some cases even innovative. “Una Favola” is a fluctuation of human warmth, thanks to her voice that stands apart from those perfect and cold voices on the Italian and international scene; “Piove” on the other hand is undoubtedly the gem of the CD, absolutely worth listening to, a powerful Ballad, which starts modestly and ends invigorated, powerful and energetic; the cover of “Life On Mars” (David Bowie) is absolutely successful, dirty and spacey just the right amount; delicate and sweet “Degli Alberi”.

She seems much more prepared in the Italian pieces, but instead a bit trite and radio-friendly in the English pieces, like “Today” (tiring and senseless) or “Mr Oh!”, or “Demons In Your Dreams” (too, too déjà vu).
To be praised is the intelligent lyrics of “If Everybody Had A Gun”, which besides the title is entirely in Italian, and talks about war with that touch of malice and intelligent regard that many light Italian artists can only dream of.

Overall it is a good debut, but not excellent; the lyrics need improvement, some are decidedly inexpressive, whereas the sounds are refined and energetic, though some lose inventiveness and seem already heard. The base is there: a unique voice; independence in lyrics and arrangements, and that touch of strangeness that never hurts… so let's try to look beyond the radio piece, and let’s hope she finds her path, because she deserves it.