Infections Of A Different Kind (Step 1) cover

Infections Of A Different Kind (Step 1)

AURORA · 2018

33 min · 8 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Queendom — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its empowering message and sweeping orchestration, inviting listeners into AURORA's vivid world.
  • →
    Gentle Earthquakes — The song combines delicate vocals with a driving beat, showcasing AURORA's ability to craft anthemic pop while maintaining emotional depth.
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    Infections of a Different Kind — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, blending haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics about personal struggles and societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and unique production, creating an immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks build a steady momentum with driving beats, while the fourth track shifts to a more subdued, atmospheric sound.
  • AURORA's vocal delivery often features layered harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • dreamlike exploration of vulnerability
  • ethereal vocals for introspective listening
  • mid-tempo flow for calm focus

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — This album showcases AURORA's artistic evolution and thematic depth.
Career context
Infections Of A Different Kind (Step 1) marks AURORA's second studio album following her critically acclaimed debut, All My Demons Greeting Me As a Friend. By 2018, she had established herself as a unique voice in the alternative pop scene, with a growing fanbase eager for her distinctive blend of Nordic folk and modern electronic influences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Queendom 3:26
  • 2 Forgotten Love 3:28
  • 3 Gentle Earthquakes 3:47
  • 4 All Is Soft Inside 5:08
  • 5 It Happened Quiet 4:09
  • 6 Churchyard 3:46
  • 7 Soft Universe 3:59
  • 8 Infections of a Different Kind 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata