Aurora's performance at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, where she showcased songs from her new album 'What Happened To The Heart?', proved this record is her fiercest yet.
Last seeing Aurora live personally at Groovin The Moo festival in 2019, and while she had left me in awe with her expressive performance and angelic voice, this show (8 February) felt like a more emboldened version of herself, with emotional depth and a raw intensity that was hard to ignore.As she danced across the stage, it was like witnessing something otherworldly, her graceful movements akin to a vision from another realm. However, in an instant, she reminded us of her humanity.
When she spoke to the crowd, casually tossing in swear words, it was as if she was like any of us – real and undeniably relatable. Her hilarious, unfiltered way of interacting with the audience was what made her so loveable, and somehow her anecdotes sounded even funnier when she told them.
Image © Jacqueline Edmont
Someone in the crowd shouted: "Why are you so funny?" To which she replied: "It's because when I went to school, I had to have a personality." It wasn't all lighthearted jokes with her though.
Aurora used her platform to bring awareness to the political issues we're currently facing. She told us: "I would rather know about the darkness in the world so I can do something, rather than being oblivious."
Her new album, 'What Happened To The Heart?', dives deep into the themes of corruption, disconnection and spiritual emptiness – the way she addresses these issues feels more intense than her previous albums.
Image © Jacqueline Edmont
Her song 'Starvation' takes on a darker, more intense tone using a techno beat that is different from her usual style. The pulsating beats reflect the urgency of her lyrics: "Our souls are starving," she sings, alienated from one another and from the world around us.
It wasn't all doom and gloom. Aurora's performance held a sense of hope, inviting us to confront societal issues and release anger through a collective catharsis (and let's be honest, dancing it out felt pretty great too). As the show neared its end, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, with the crowd dancing in unison, joyfully swept up in the moment.
Aurora's performance was a rare sanctuary in a fragmented world. Her presence transformed the space, turning it into a collective moment of connection. The stage was adorned with large cutouts of doves hanging from the ceiling, symbolising peace, love, and hope.
In a time when division often feels louder than unity, her show was a reminder that music isn't just an escape, but a bridge that brings us together. The crowd rallied around her words, cheering in solidarity, filling the air with love and hope.
Image © Jacqueline Edmont
Aurora's music's enchanting soundscapes carried us to a euphoric state. She is like an alchemist turning the dark, painful parts of life into something beautiful and hopeful. It made her performance feel like a step toward healing.
It wasn't just a concert – it was a transformative experience that left you feeling lighter and more whole; and if this review doesn't convince you, consider the 5,000 people in that venue. I've never heard cheers so deafening for an artist's performance, with thousands of feet stamping so rapidly the entire pavilion seemed to rumble with the energy.
- written by Jacqueline Edmont
More photos from the concert.
