Norwegian songstress AURORA transported fans into her magical world during a stunning and emotional performance at The Fillmore this week.

AURORA’s third studio album The Gods We Can Touch was the main focus throughout the 16-song set. She began the set with Heathens, taking center stage in front of a giant, illuminated orb. Slowly gesticulating in time with the music, the room was instantly captivated by her presence.

Taking a moment before continuing with the rest of her set, AURORA spoke about the senseless violence in Texas. She acknowledged that although it might feel strange to celebrate and dance together, everyone should feel justified in embracing the precious life they have. As a fan shouted out “we deserve better,” AURORA agreed. “You deserve so much better.” The rest of the night acted as an act of collective catharsis, with AURORA creating a safe space where all could experience the emotions they needed to feel.

Midway through her set, Infections Of A Different Kind saw AURORA take center stage with minimal instrumental backing and almost no lighting design. In this magical moment, AURORA’s vocal performance nearly brought me to tears as she screamed, “And if there is a God, I think he can’t hear all of us.” I was in constant awe of AURORA’s willingness to share her energy and thoughts with the crowd. In between many of the songs, she would take time to discuss everything from men’s mental health (The River) to women’s reproductive rights (The Woman I Am) to climate change (The Seed).

The energy started to build during my recent favorite, Cure For Me. The globe flashed vibrant colors in time to the catchy synth melody as AURORA pranced around the stage, eliciting roaring cheers from the crowd at each beat drop. For the encore, AURORA reappeared for Giving In To The Love. Each song contained within The Gods We Can Touch shows immense vocal range, emotional depth and phenomenal production. It feels as though with this album, AURORA has truly arrived.

Photos: Morgan Winston