Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora Aksnes, familiarly known as AURORA, released a new single on January 18th titled ‘The Conflict Of The Mind’. With her hauntingly good, almost divine vocals, and meaningful lyrical themes, the artist brings us yet again into her emotionally moving universe.
The song starts off gently. Aurora’s voice is accompanied by synths and a simple beat. It sets a calm tone. Verses are just as soft with a few more instrumentals and some voice filters -or multiple layers- as if her voice has been recorded over the phone or another type of device and it brings a nice touch of intimacy.
The chorus feels fuller, with more open vocals and harmonies, all in a very emotional melody which truly compliments the theme of the single. It ends on multiple lines intertwining with Aurora’s mastery of almost spiritual-like falsettos.
“Only when I see you cry I feel conflicted in my mind. It tears my heart up and it breaks me at the very same time.”
The lyrics to the song are about opening up to someone you love and you’re close with. It’s always very hard and conflicting to go through. There might be tears but even though bittersweet, these tears are necessary in order to go forward with one another. All while accepting the hardship, you can push through and see that affection is still there, even after sharing your feelings with someone.
“When you open up the gates for me and leave the world behind we find proof of love is hidden in the conflict of the mind”
Upon release, Aurora shares on social media:
“This is a song for everything you never said. Everything we left unspoken. Everything we still feel, lingering in the air around us.
I know many of you know how it feels to be in a family, where everything is painful. Remain quiet. And hidden.
There is nothing more painful than seeing the ones I love cry, but at the same time it fills my heart up. Because it’s the greatest feeling in the world. To open up. And be there for someone. If only, we were brave enough.
It’s truly when we open up we find the purest proof of love hidden in the conflict of our minds.”
Overall, the song feels like a hug. One that’s not too warm, neither too cold. One that heals and grounds you; just like Aurora’s music in general. You can listen to ‘The Conflict Of The Mind’ and watch it’s music video here!
Written by: Noah F.
Edited by: Molly Day
