Lauren Auder – Whole World as Vigil

Paris-born, London-raised artist Lauren Auder has been lending her keen musical ear to others since her teenage years. In 2023, however, she stepped into the spotlight with her first solo project, The Infinite Spine, diving into her own journey of self-discovery. By inviting listeners into her world, she made it clear that exploration sits at the heart of her artistry. Her upcoming record, Whole World As Vigil, further showcases the growth of her lyrical capabilities and her desire to experiment with carried soundscapes, resulting in a strong sophomore release.

Whole World As Vigil seeks to paint a portrait of how Auder perceives herself within the wider world. She appears brooding yet histrionic, navigating life’s more turbulent moments with a focus on mental health struggles and strained relationships. The record opens with Marrow, immediately establishing a moody atmosphere through dense metaphor and dark imagery. Despite its haunting lyricism, the track’s bright, airy chorus offers a sense of balance against the murkier verses. This contrast recurs throughout the album and highlights Auder’s meticulous attention to sonic detail.

Praxis follows as the lead single and acts as the thematic centrepiece of the record. More upbeat than much of the album, it serves to unify its ideas, centring on the importance of perspective. With this, Auder aims to prove that she strives to experience the present without becoming overly burdened by the past or future.

Any flirtation with energetic pop is short-lived, however. Pier marks a sharp shift, standing out for its dynamic pacing and fusion of electronic and classical elements. From its computerised string introduction to the explosive, distorted climax, the track unfolds as a strikingly theatrical and complex composition. Amidst this controlled chaos, Auder’s vocals remain firmly at the forefront; the solemnity in her delivery cuts through the off-tempo piano and heavy reverb, suggesting an attempt to reclaim control. Candles is another standout, with its cathartic, saturated finale signalling a transition from devastation toward healing.

As the subdued Orchards gives way to the vivid electronic-pop closer Say Nothing, Auder uses the album’s final stretch to demonstrate her range. Traces of her roots in London’s underground hip-hop scene linger throughout Whole World As Vigil, even as her experimental instincts push her sound in new directions. This evolution mirrors the album’s central theme: embracing transformation while maintaining a grounded appreciation for the past.

Ultimately, Whole World As Vigil feels like a natural expansion of Auder’s debut, reinforcing that her work demands, as well as rewards, close attention.