The striking track “Tree of Love” introduced me to Auramancer, a Belgian project from singer/songwriter Blaede that’s influenced by the grunge and alternative scene of the early ’90s. Clear references to bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle or Queens Of The Stone Age are blended with a modern sound and production. Along with some childhood friends, he formed the alternative rock band Auramancer in 2000, going on to record a 4-track demo before putting the band on hold in 2005. After forming the1984, touting a heavier feel, Blaede came back to Auramancer as his primary project.
Also off his EP The only way to fail…, “Alike” is a captivating effort whose music video released today (watch it above). Directed by Benjamin Reynoso, the video details the progression from a dull workday into a thrilling, nocturnal adventure. The track’s visuals align well with the track’s ascending trajectory, growing from paced indie-rock to a more thunderous vein of alternative.
“Alike” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of May 2018’ Spotify playlist.