Aura Division exists somewhere between desolate glitches and skittering beats. It's a fissure within the membrane of electronic music just below a surface of orchestral synths, ethereal drums, and entrancing vocals. It's dark. It's dynamic. It's defiantly and deviantly beautiful. Welcome to the space where dreams come to life by the hands of Anthony Sarti [instrumentals] and Aurora [vocals].

The group took shape in 2011. After coming from Sacramento luminaries Eightfourseven, Sarti desired to expand his horizons. Splitting his time between design, programing, and music, he'd become an accomplished remixer with credits ranging from Far to Geographer, but he wanted to go even deeper. Drawing from a classical vocal and piano background, Aurora proved to be the perfect cohort for this ride. 

As its complete architect, Sarti fittingly dubs the soundtrack to this sonic roller coaster "Dream &amp; Bass." He affirms, "The sound consists of aggressive digital beats met by smooth and dreamy synths, silky vocals, and disturbing amounts of ultra low bass. There are no limits or walls. It can be dangerous at times, while it's soothing at others. You can't predict it."

Together, they introduced the world to their style via official remixes of both ††† (Crosses) and gold-selling sensation AWOLNATION. However, the first taste of the group's 2013 debut EP "These Waves Were Meant to Be" comes on "Laser Blue Horizon." Aurora's distinct hum stands tempered by brooding synths and staggering interludes. With samplers, sequencers, drum machines, analog and digital bass all manipulated by Sarti, it simply opens up the rabbit hole though. "The song itself is based on living in total darkness within an unknown environment grasping for something familiar," admits Sarti. "It's about letting go of past relationships and moving on to bigger and better things,” adds Aurora. “The lyrics aren't literal though. Everything is always open to interpretation."

As a whole, the entire collection thrives on a juxtaposition of emotions and sounds. As a result, a hypnotic tension tightens its grip. "The overwhelming theme is driven by disparity and sadness," Sarti continues. "We generally write when we're feeling emotional about an issue or circumstance. Those emotions are all captured within the music. Although many of the tracks are dark lyrically, the melodies and triumphant audio phrases aim to channel optimism."

In addition, these two don't hold back live either. Everything is played on stage, and there's an authenticity that separates them from the pack." We're not just running a backing track off an iPhone into a PA, pumping our fists and faking a show," smiles Sarti. "It's all real and happening in front of the audience." That's why it will connect at the end of the day. Audiences are going to fall into Aura Division the second they open up. He concludes, "We hope this will become a project which will inspire people to think and create." Welcome to the future. 

- Rick Florino (ARTISTdirect.com)

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