RITUALS RETURN WITH ‘AURORA,’ A HAUNTING AND TRIUMPHANT POST-PUNK REAWAKENING
After more than a decade of silence, Toronto’s Rituals returns with Aurora, their first EP since 2012—and it's a reintroduction worth the wait. Long admired for their moody fusion of shoegaze textures and post-punk edge, Rituals has carved out a sound that's both immersive and emotionally raw. Aurora builds on that foundation with new depth and confidence, layering swirling guitars, haunting vocals, and pulsing rhythms into a release that feels both timeless and timely. This isn't just a comeback—it's a statement.
“Broken AC” kicks off the album with a bang. A rock-solid beat and hypnotic guitar riffs drive the track forward, instantly establishing Rituals as a force to be reckoned with. Drenched in echo, the vocals add a haunting, almost otherworldly atmosphere—yet the rhythm never loses its pulse. While the vocals may feel buried at first pass, give it another listen. What feels elusive at first starts to reveal itself, and suddenly, it all clicks.
“Illusions” kicks off with a thumping drumbeat and quickly layers in a whiny, effects-laden guitar that oozes post-punk attitude mixed with shoegaze flare. The track is moody, driving, and effortlessly cool—built to pull you in from the first note. As the song progresses, the drums ramp up, adding urgency and momentum. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you and demands a second (and third) listen.
“Tangles” opens with just guitars and bass—a smart move that builds tension before the drums crash in, instantly grabbing your attention. The track feels bigger and more layered than what came before, showcasing the band’s range. Vocally, it stays in the same atmospheric lane but brings a deeper, harder-to-pin-down emotion. The chorus hits hard and pulls you in—one of the album’s most dynamic moments.
“Virtual” announces itself immediately with intricate guitar work and tightly wound drum patterns. The bass creeps in with perfect timing, laying the groundwork just as the pre-chorus begins to lift the energy. When the chorus hits, it delivers with a satisfying surge, pulling the listener deeper into its world. Structurally, the track is straightforward yet compelling—easy to follow, but rich with texture. It’s the kind of song that could easily score a moody, late-night scene in a dark and atmospheric film.
The second-to-last track on the EP, “Aurora,” stands out with its distinct tonal palette and immersive soundscapes. Effects are layered throughout, lifting the track to expansive, almost ethereal heights. While the vocals are somewhat buried in the mix—making them harder to catch on first listen—the overall impact remains strong. Despite this, “Aurora” still delivers a rewarding listen, especially for those drawn to mood-driven, atmospheric tracks.
“Drain” closes the EP on a strong note, serving as a fitting finale that leaves a lingering impression. The otherworldly vocals shine brightly here, pairing beautifully with the swirling guitar work. At times, the guitars feel like they’re vying a bit too much for attention, but as the track unfolds, they settle into a compelling push-and-pull dynamic that keeps things interesting. The drums remain sharp throughout, with the snare in particular cutting through the mix in spectacular fashion. It's a layered, atmospheric finish that brings the EP full circle.
With Aurora, Rituals doesn’t just revisit their roots—they evolve them. Each track builds on the band’s signature blend of shoegaze and post-punk, weaving rich textures and emotional undercurrents into a cohesive, six-song journey. From the explosive opener “Broken AC” to the brooding finale “Drain,” the EP showcases a band that’s grown more confident, more dynamic, and more in tune with their sonic identity. After a long silence, Aurora proves Rituals still has plenty to say—and they’re saying it louder, deeper, and more beautifully than ever.