Aural Delight is the sequel to Aura that was released in 2001. The sound of The Mission is more rock orientated than before, although the old elements of the band (dragging, melancholic songs) aren’t forgotten. Listen to the “Spider & The Fly (In The Ointment)” and “Never Again” for instance. The band sounds more transparent and not as dark as they did during the eighties, but the emotional voice of Wayne Hussey still plays a prominent role. Especially in some heartbreaking ballads (like “Sorry…”, “Melt”, “Mesmerised” and the beautiful “Swoon”). Aural Delight puts the music of The Mission right between ‘new’ wave and rock and therefore has a similar feeling as the Cult, although the Cult is more guitar orientated while The Mission is more song orientated.

Listen to the opener “Amelia”, “Even You May Shine” and “Anyone But You” for instance. If you love old elements in a new well fitting rock outfit then you just have to get this album.

It’s funny that the record company still talks about a new LP instead of a new CD. It shows their engagement to the earlier days and, due to the fact that they sent a CD, shows that they got the same spirit as The Mission nowadays.

The album also contains a demo version of “Dragonfly” and a cover version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”.