Lauren Auder - Whole World As Vigil

This second full-length from Lauren Auder makes for what feels akin to a purifying spiritual experience, showcasing her ability to write what could become crossover pop hits while also wielding exquisite leftfield electronic sounds.

Take the melodious and majestic standout ‘praxis’ with its earworm of a chorus, or the sun-drenched ‘yes’, which bridges baroque pop and Balearic house. Elsewhere, the synth pop behemoth ‘701’ brings to mind Westerman’s ‘A Jackal’s Wedding’ in its production; ‘candles’ meanders towards the more melancholic; the buoyant synth pop of ‘mantra’ builds to a near gargantuan finale. Meanwhile, closer ‘say nothing’ is an ideal movie final credits soundtrack, intertwining pop and elements of tech house for something that’s primed for late Ibiza nights. A resplendent wonder that’s also a showcase of excellent songwriting.