Single/Video Review: Who Decides?

I rarely get the opportunity to describe a piece of music as beautiful. My preference is dark, twisted, loud, abrasive noise that would most often be described as brutal. So this new track by Wellington based A.U.R.A aka Albert Mikolaj was a leap of faith for me and one I am glad I took. This is a truly stunning piece of work.

The artistry and imagery all perfectly collide. It is both simple and complex, pure, hopeful and reflective. That all these feelings are stirred in me in just over 3 mins is an experience. Apparently the subject matter was inspired by all the random advertising that surrounds us 24/7 and hence asks the question Who Decides?

Albert’s intricate guitar work, mixes with cello from Ben Lemi (TrinityRoots) as the vocals float throughout. The balance is perfect. This is timeless music.

The accompanying video was shot in an abandoned hotel in Buenos Aires and at first I thought the music had just been added to some old footage. It was actually recently filmed by Argentine musician Nicolas Quiroga on an 80’s camera giving it a grainy retro effect that again sits perfectly with the song.

The imagery just like the music pulls you in even though not much is happening, A guy strumming a guitar smiling for the camera, cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth as a couple of girls wade in a paddling pool. I can’t put my finger on why, but it is the perfect complement to this song.

Albert Mikolaj aka A.U.R.A is someone you may not have heard of, but he is someone you need to see and hear. I think he is one of the most talented musicians I have heard in a long time and with this release has created a stunning piece of art. Take a look and listen then you decide.