Album of the Week #2

LUNA AURA-THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY

Crashing into the later months of 2020, LUNA AURA’s debut EP, THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY, is an eclectic and gritty mix of pop, grunge, garage rock and punk. LUNA AURA isn’t afraid to wear her influences on her sleeve, with clear nods to riffs from Nine Inch Nails and vocal lines akin to Gwen Stefani, especially on the tracks such as BABYDOLL and PAPERCUT. It’s a catchy, enthralling record that hits hard and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.

When this record was recommended to me by my friend Josiah, I knew virtually nothing about LUNA AURA. With the Americana aesthetic of slasher films, pageantry fashion, and everything classically gory and uncouth, LUNA AURA’s message and the platform as an artist is one of self-confidence and female empowerment delivered with as much tact as a battering ram — which makes it all the more important and effective.

What strikes me most about this EP is how powerful it is despite its length. In this case, short IS sweet, and sour…and sharp. It gets to the point, says what needs to be said, and leaves with as much grace as a bombshell.

I’m reminded of power rock duos such as SLAVES, Death From Above and Royal Blood and their ability to have a huge sound with little instrumentation. In the case of LUNA AURA, sparse instrumentation, with the majority of the tracks only involving screaming guitars, in-your-face vocals and driving drums. While high budget in its production, the loud, rough and distorted instrumentation channels your emotions, you WANT to feel angry, as you should. The sound speaks for itself: raw and unadulterated.

The core of this release is the message behind it; exploring themes such as sexuality, feminity, and resisting a society that is inherently restrictive towards women. LUNA AURA doesn’t waste time trying to prove that she is confident and powerful, nor does she try and educate you. Her music simply addresses what needs to be said, especially in the track TALKING TO ME where the repeated chants of “I’m not your little girl, I’m not your friend, Can’t tell me what I am, Can’t tell me shit.” perfectly encapsulates who she is and how she uses her music as a way to support and inspire women worldwide.

She explains that this EP is a collection of songs, stories and art pieces written by women, for everyone. Furthermore, it’s a critique and a catalyst for empowerment, especially in our current patriarchal society. I see a strong connection between the themes of this record and the current major problems with the music industry; how women are under-represented, mistreated and repeatedly silenced when it comes to key opportunities and calling out many of the systemic and individual issues that exist in this business.

In LUNA AURA’s own words: We’re not here to blame you, we’re not here to scare you. We’re here to make you think.

Direct, poignant and unabashed, THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY is a critical record that draws on roaring influences, shatters expectations, and packages serious, relatable and important experiences designed to make you angry about the state of the world, and motivated to do something about it. Unfiltered and proud, it encourages self-expression and to find the energy to break free from the pre-established societal norms that restrict our ability to be ourselves.

This is a weekly series I’m doing to help me think more critically about the music I listen to and get better at writing about it. These selections are suggestions from friends and random recommendations, with a focus on newer releases. Any and all feedback/suggestions/artists you want me to cover is welcome and appreciated!