A.U.R.A.'s Majestic Debut SECRET INTELLIGENT LIGHT Out Now

A.U.R.A (Albert Mikolaj) has created a swirling panacea for the strain of our modern times with the brand new album, Secret Intelligent Light, which releases today.

A collection of seven richly arranged tracks which lyrically address the mysteries of death and rebirth, Secret Intelligent Light's aural dreamscape is written by MIkolaj, with fellow multi-instrumentalist Ben Lemi (Trinity Roots, French For Rabbits) adding his Zen-like touch throughout. Tenderly expressed melody and harmony live at the core of each track, placing Mikolaj's voice front and centre; enchanting the listener and inspiring a mental journey to a more contemplative place.

The songs were methodically thawed by Mikolaj over a number of years, before Lemi's production of the album from his Wellington home studio bought the album's final incarnation to life. Expect to hear a globally influenced psychadelic folk sound, reflecting Mikolaj's time in offshore lands and years spent in his second home Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Secret Intelligent Light is like a beautiful dark mystery, a dream canvas for various visions"Mikolaj explains, "I've always had this particular vision of gardening alone, peacefully, in an exquisitely kept garden, lots of pretty flowers, good soil, everything serene. In this moment a small delicate bird starts to die in front of me and I have this sinking feeling....sometimes this record has that feeling too; a juxtaposition of beauty and pain."

To celebrate todays album release, A.U.R.A is excited to announce the SIL Tour which commences 5th of April.

Joined by Ben Lemi (French for Rabbits, Trinity Roots, Dawn Diver), Deanne Krieg (Ida Lune, Congress of Animals) and Samuel Austin on live duties, the SIL Tour will take in some of New Zealand's favourite boutique venues, transforming them into the perfect backdrop to experience this psychedelic folk quartet. Tickets are available fromUndertheradar.co.nz.

Tour Dates

12 April Leigh Sawmill, Leigh

13 April Wine Cellar, Auckland

2 May The Plant, Blenheim

3 May Lyttleton Records, Lyttleton

4 May The Captain Cook Hotel, Dunedin

10 May Paisley Stage, Napier

11 May Third Eye, Wellington