Today marks the release of the Aura EP from pop act Private Agenda. The duo of Sean Phillips and Martin Aggrowe, based between London and Berlin, craft an entrancing electro-pop sound with shimmering production and memorable hooks. All four tracks on the EP succeed in this regard, pushing forth a lushly invigorating aesthetic that values both atmosphere and stirring melodic hooks. The EP’s opener and self-titled track, “Aura” is among the release’s most vibrant and energetic, kicking off with a lively synth arp and chirpy leads. Moments like the anthemic percussive pushes around 02:15 succeed immensely, highlighting the project’s firm grasp of production. “Aura” alone shows their ability to alternate between lush instrumental soundscapes and lively vocal-laden pop.
“Kingfisher” is a more serene endeavor, featuring tranquil guitar lines and a spaciously lush synth pad. This atmospheric daydream of a track does well in acting as a mid-point reprieve on the release, before the effervescent spacey synth-pop of “Lighthouse” closes this impressive release.
—
“Aura” and “Lighthouse” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of June 2019’ Spotify playlist.
