Released a full two years after their initial breakthrough, Aurora's self-titled first offering may have lost them some much-needed momentum but has definitely been worth the wait. Ditching their trademark trance sound for something a little more mainstream, the talented duo have incorporated the laid-back electronica of
Everything But the Girl, the acoustic radio-friendly pop of
Natalie Imbruglia, and the polished production of
Madonna's
Ray of Light to produce an album bursting with potential singles. Big hit "Ordinary World," their version of
Duran Duran's solitary worthwhile contribution to the '90s, is unrecognizable from its single version, transformed into a subtle acoustic ballad featuring the gorgeous tones of
Naimee Coleman who appears again on the equally downtempo "Hushabye." Indeed, the use of several different female artists is inspired. Former
Shakespear's Sister Marcella Detroit's acrobatics sit perfectly alongside the epic orchestration of the seven-minute long "To Die For" and dreamlike cover of the
Gordon Lightfoot classic "If You Could Read My Mind." And the latest and more permanent addition to the Aurora camp,
Lizzy Pattinson, is an inspired choice -- her warm and seductive vocals on the likes of the balearic "This Can't Be Love," turning what could be something rather faceless into something stamped with personality. It might be lacking in originality, and the drastic change in sound could be seen as a contrived attempt to reach a wider audience, but nevertheless, this is a well-executed and slickly produced debut that at just ten tracks long, manages that rare feat of leaving you wanting more.