Spanning a career of over 15 years, The Mission have certainly gathered together a fine collection of singles. Translating this form in to a consistently good album seemed ever elusive but 'Aura' is arguably their best effort yet. Wayne Hussey and cohorts sound positively resurgent as they deliver a string of passionate, dense goth rock anthems that possess a punch that many would have thought beyond them. From the bludgeoning riffs and modern rhythms of 'Trophy/It Never Rains' and 'The Light That Pours From You' to the comparative balladry of 'Dragonfly' (which updates lost classic 'Butterfly On A Wheel' for this century) to the more traditionally melodic songwriting of yore ('Shine Like The Stars', 'Lay Your Hands On Me') the pace is varied but the energy and creativity remains undiminished throughout. Hard to believe, perhaps, but four middle-aged gentlemen from Yorkshire are at the peak of their powers.