Lucky Aura: A Step in the Right Direction

REVIEW: My last post on Mano Erina's Lucky Aura discussed my apprehension of Mano's solo career and her upcoming single. With the song released today I have to say it is a step up from Manopiano, but is it enough?

[cred: boinsie]

Lucky Aura ventures from the slow paced piano instrumental of Manopiano, to a more mid-tempo synth song with a catchy chorus. It really reminds me of old Anime openings and I have to say the song itself is pretty decent for an indie release. When compared to the C-ute indie releases maybe it doesn't live up to them, but it sets a style for Mano and a direction she is obviously heading in, which is what indies should do.
The arrangement is good with the catchy chorus I mentioned and some interesting, slightly haunting sections. It's interesting to say the very least. The fact it reminds me of old Anime music may suggest that it is an outdated sound and on the general market it probably is, but for a single aimed towards H!P fans I don't see an issue with it.
The let down in this track is Mano's vocals. I went back and listened to some of Mano's lines in Narihajimeta Koi no BELL and I cannot see much of an improvement, if any at all - She sounds the same. She isn't a horrible singer, she can hold a tune, unlike some soloists (*cough*Koha*cough* ... but I still love her!), however her voice just isn't very pleasant or enjoyable to listen to.This brings me back to my original problems with her, not being up to par with previous soloists, which you can go back and read if you really wish.

Despite her voice, it is step up and a step in the right direction though I still believe an actual debut is a far way away. I do enjoy Lucky Aura, even though it isn't the upbeat, happy song I was hoping for, but the style they are going for is interesting and would be nice to hear more of. Replayability wise, I don't see myself going back too often, Mano's voice just isn't something that draws me in, but fans of Manoeri should be encouraged at this release. Having said that, H!P/UFA really need to get this girl some vocal lessons soon! I'm not sure if they are already doing so (I doubt it) but regular vocal lessons could drastically improve a song like Lucky Aura.

Rating: 6/10