Aurora has now released the second half of what was apparently a two-part album, following up last year’s Infections of a Different Kind (Step I) with A Different Kind of Human (Step II). It’s a solid album with a number of good songs, but my favourite is easily The River, which can stand with the best tracks off her first album.

I’m trying to make a conscious effort to listen to more Aurora lately. Not just because I like her music, but because she tends to sing a lot on the themes of positivity and self-acceptance. While I would never want to give up my sad songs, it does occur to me I should probably listen to more than just Thrash Unreal and No Lights on the Horizon if I want to think more positively.

The River is an especially good one for that. I have to be honest; my mental health has taken a real downturn lately. I’m grateful for my job with Massively OP, but so much else seems to be going wrong. It takes me to really dark places. The River helps remind me that it’s okay to hurt and that I’m not a monster for struggling.