Is There Anyone Else Outside?

Souvenirs Young America is the band of an old high school chum of mine and I see them play almost every time they’re in NYC, mostly because I like to support my friend’s band but also because the music isn’t half bad. Last night, however, they split the bill in the basement of Lit Lounge with Aughra, which is music like I have never seen before, or heard for that matter.

Well, no, that’s not exactly true. Aughra plays ponderous aural volumes in the same vein as Mogwai and countless other ambient electronic bands that rely mostly on atmosphere and style, as opposed to lyrics. What sets Aughra apart, though, is the actual presentation of sound. Aughra is just one dude who sets up camp in a tent on stage. This gives a Wizard-behind-the-curtain effect of mystery, adding to the ruminant melodies of whatever instruments the artist is manipulating. It was kind of like watching Prince’s halftime show, but way cooler.