★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Hailing from Spain, five-piece boy band AURYN have much more than drop-dead gorgeous looks to go on. Formed in 2009, the all-male group have consistently dominated the music charts of their home country (including three number one albums), paving the road for an eventual international crossover. With their fourth studio album, Ghost Town, released earlier this month, it's evident that the boys and their team certainly have an ear for a infectious pop hook.
Preceded by the glowing "Electric", the recent release follows the group as they venture down an intriguing mix of pop and rock influences while tackling issues of lost love, regret, and even some fun in the bedroom. The 11-track, English language effort is carried by suave, confident vocal performances from each member, radio-ready beats, and revealing songwriting (even if it can get amateurish and repetitive at times).
With One Direction announcing an indefinite hiatus, and 5 Seconds of Summer becoming the only boy band to make a strong chart presence, maybe a confident, talented group of handsome men such as AURYN could fill in the upcoming void for heartfelt, somewhat cliched, pop music. Featuring mature topics and a collaboration with global superstar Anastacia, the group's official fourth effort could easily be considered their strongest to date.
Opening with the title track was a smart move. The album is clearly heading towards a bold, addictive sound that emphasize the band's passionate, controlled vocal delivery. "Ghost Town" is carried to thrilling heights by invasive percussion and hand claps that quickly encompass the listener on their moody journey. The boys sing of dealing with the aftermath of a failed second chance with their lovers, they are left alone to regret what has been left behind.
Lead single "Electric" signaled a slight change in sound for the band. Supported by acoustic-like guitar, the endearing track of a growing new love travels down a subtle folk-pop path, guided by a solid, radio-friendly chorus, a thumping beat and swoon-worthy lyrical content. "Siren, siren, flashing lights, when you bring me back to life, I see my dreams in your eyes, when you say my name," the lovestruck band sings on the single's endearing bridge.
"Lost In Translation" is constructed around a throwback disco-influenced vibe that progresses smoothly with an enjoyable, uncontrollable energy. Seemingly inspired by future international encounters, the boys want potential lovers to note, they may speak in different tongues, but their feelings will translate into every language. The aforementioned confidence of the band is highlighted in the track's songwriting, as a sparkling beat brings everything together quite nicely.
Global pop superstar Anastacia (aka one of the world's most underrated artists) joins the boys of AURYN for "Who's Loving You", an infectious rock-leaning effort where the artists show lively chemistry as they reminisce on their now-defunct relationship. The boys carry their own bulk of the weight on the verses as they lay their heart on the line, however, it's Anastacia who steals the spotlight when the chorus comes around on the potential second single.
It's not clear if the boys have ever been down to Tennessee, but on "Memphis" they conjure up enough old-fashioned soul/rock vibes for a charming number where they claim a former lover has stolen their hearts, retreating back to The Volunteer State. "Lord I can see her now, black sundress with her hair down, she's got that southern style, makin' all the boys wanna gather ‘round," the band sings with complete infatuation.
For the first true ballad on the album, "Was It The Right Thing To Do", the band makes a difficult life decision, leaving their loves behind in order to pursue desired dreams. With only an acoustic guitar for support, each member gives a commendable vocal performance, highlighting the somber, heartbreaking emotions that come with a breakup with utmost conviction. It might initially come off as the typical boy band slow number, but it eventually stands out for its sincerity.
With a PG-13 message of satisfying one between the sheets, "I Will Take You There" transports listeners back to the suggestive bedroom jams of the late 90s. The track is all over the place, using an array of instrumentals and intriguing progression to get the heated point across. Along the way, the band might slip due to lackluster songwriting, but regain their footing with Michael Jackson-inspired crooning towards the end of the three-minute effort.
"Footprints" is a captivating, mid-tempo pop ballad that continues to build emotional steam until the Top 40-tailored chorus explodes with somber consequences. The boys are struggling to deal with the pain that comes with their lovers walking out of their lives, metaphorically stomping on their hearts in the process. In addition to heartfelt performance and personal, narrative lyrical content, the song shines bright for its sweeping production and lasting impact.
While the hard rock instrumentals and pre-hook of "Them Girls" are commendable elements of the overall production, the rest of the sexually charged, party anthem is a giant misstep for a band that wants to be taken seriously. "Got a body like Coca-Cola, bright eyes like a supernova, I’m just trying to be a casanova, I just wanna get-get below ya," the band sings on the opening line, which immediate creates a path for an awkward, screeching album addition.
Things take a turn for the better on "Million Dollars", another mid-tempo, folk-like ballad where the boys are forced to reevaluate everything they have, in order to continue moving forward with a smile on their face. The subtle production creates the perfect supporting backdrop for the affectionate vocal performances of the members, accents at the forefront. It's difficult to admit you may not be right for someone, that honesty becomes the highlight of the track.
The album closes out with "They Don't Know", a track that beautifully blossoms into a celebratory ode to a loving connection with that special someone. The band incorporates soft, folk instrumentals once again that allows the closing track to become an enchanting, carefree expression of commitment and intimacy. Picture the band performing the song to a sold out stadium of lovestruck teenagers, and the pop magic is intensified to satisfying levels.
Ghost Town was discovered by accident, thanks to the kind words of Anastacia, but there's no regret for stumbling across the music of AURYN. They might not be a world renowned force in the music industry yet, but the five members certainly know how to craft a dominating pop hook, carried by alluring vocals and controlled production. As a fourth album, their latest project signals a mature turn for the band, as they contemplate life lessons of when to love, when to embrace loss and when to enjoy youth. While the songwriting in some places could have been sharper and more creativity, the missteps are fixed by the band's fearless approach to incorporating sounds from all over the music spectrum. Boy bands don't normally get credit for contributing new ideas to the soundscape, but AURYN certainly work hard to resolve that misconception.
Tracks to Hear: "Ghost Town", "Lost In Translation", "Who's Loving You", "I Will Take You There" and "Footprints"
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