ALBUM REVIEW: AURORA - Infections of a Different Kind (Step I)

AURORA - Infections of a Different Kind (Step I) [6.1/10]

Infections of a Different Kind (Step I) is a collection of electronic-pop with vocals dressed to impress. Once you adapt to the Norwegian's albeit interesting voice, there really isn't much left to discover. Although a few dark tracks standout, the album mostly leaves you with visions of a high-pitched continuous blur.

Infections of a Different Kind (Part I)

Aurora Aksnes can sing, there's no denying that. But at some point you have to realize that spectacular vocals alone do not necessarily make for a spectacular album. At first glance, it's very entertaining. Hearing her flaunt her accented vocals in songs like 'Forgotten Love' and 'Soft Universe' is very engaging upon first listen. It may even continue to be interesting after your second, third, tenth, or even hundredth (if you ever get this far) listen. If you haven't heard any of her previous efforts, then this will all be brand new to you and make for an interesting listen. But the fact that it is interesting does not make it particularly pleasant to the ears for long periods of time. Her voice is refreshing and unique. But if you take away those vocals what are you left with? Mostly just overbearing electronic backing tracks that have been done before, and some piano ballads which lack creativity.

That's not to say that the album isn't good. In fact, certain tracks are excellent. Particularly, 'All is Soft Inside' and 'Churchyard' feature tense, deep strings which blend very nicely with AURORA's voice. 'Churchyard' begins with an excellent multi-track harmony which slowly progresses into a full-blown pop power track that accentuates bouncing voices in the background somewhat similar to that of ODEZA's 'Say My Name'.

Unfortunately, almost every other track on the album is either similar to one which came before it, or draws from the same ideas of her last full length album All My Demons Greeting Me As a Friend. Much of her music simply begins to feel quite melodramatic. Combine this with the album names of her two LP's, and you may start to wonder if perhaps she's trying a bit too hard.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Or am I way off base? Let me know in the comments.

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Stay tuned for more coming soon,

Nathan Kamphuis