OSLO by Aurora Systems International: A Vaporwave Journey You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, let’s talk about OSLO. Released in 2019 by Aurora Systems International—a self-released gem under their own label—this album is pure vaporwave goodness. If you’re into that dreamy, retro-futuristic vibe with a side of glitchy nostalgia, this one’s for you. The genre is electronic, but it leans heavy on the vaporwave style, and honestly? It’s kinda perfect for zoning out or pretending you’re in some neon-lit cyberpunk world.
The tracklist reads like a playlist from another dimension: 00 (Outro), Planes, Doom, Borealis, Interlude Of Hearts (Marielle), Vision, Tunnel, and Viewers. At first glance, it feels like a random collection of words, but once you dive in, it all starts making sense. Or at least, as much sense as vaporwave ever does.
Let me break down two tracks that stuck with me because, honestly, I can’t stop thinking about them.
First up, Borealis. Man, this track hits different. It’s got this lush, atmospheric vibe that feels like you’re floating through space while also chilling in an ‘80s shopping mall. The synths are smooth, layered just right, and there’s this weirdly satisfying static-y undertone that keeps things interesting. It’s not too in-your-face, but it’s also not background music either—you actually feel it. Like, I remember putting this on while staring out my window, and suddenly my boring neighborhood looked like a scene from Blade Runner. Wild, right?
Then there’s Tunnel. This one’s a banger. It’s got this driving beat that pulls you in, like you’re speeding through a neon tunnel in a video game that doesn’t exist anymore. The loops are hypnotic, and there’s this moment halfway through where everything drops out except for this eerie, echoing sound—it’s creepy but in the best way possible. Honestly, I’ve rewinded that part like five times just to figure out what exactly was going on. It’s the kind of track that makes you nod your head even if you’re sitting still.
The rest of the album isn’t bad either. Tracks like Vision and Interlude Of Hearts (Marielle) add their own little twists to the mix, keeping things fresh without straying too far from the vibe. And yeah, sure, the outro (00) feels a bit abrupt, but hey, maybe that’s the point. Life’s messy, right?
What’s wild about OSLO is how it manages to feel both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. It’s like listening to a memory of something you never experienced. And coming from the US, Aurora Systems International nailed that balance between experimental and accessible. You don’t need to be a vaporwave expert to enjoy this—it’s just good music.
So, here’s the unexpected part: after listening to OSLO, I started noticing how often I hear similar sounds in movies and TV shows these days. Like, did vaporwave predict the future, or are we just living in its echo now? Either way, props to Aurora Systems International for crafting an album that feels timeless—or maybe just perfectly timed for our collective existential crisis. Who knows? Just press play and see where it takes you.
