Rating: 7/10
Unlikely musical collaborations can sometimes be the most pleasant surprises, and in the case of Electronic supergroup “TOMORA,” two artists from two completely different worlds come together to create some enticing dance music. After appearing on various festival lineups, the identities of “TOMORA” were a mystery, until the group was officially announced in late 2025. The duo consists of Tom Rowlands of the iconic Electronic duo “The Chemical Brothers,” and Norwegian singer/songwriter Aurora Aksnes. Together the two have released their debut album COME CLOSER, and this album has some irresistible tracks. The melding of the duo’s differing styles works quite well. Tom Rowlands’ input is noticeable as he incorporates elements of Big Beat, Techno and Breakbeat, all genres often associated with “The Chemical Brothers,” and this is cleverly combined with AURORA’s brand of ethereal Art-Pop, which creates a cinematic and beautifully dramatic atmosphere as we the listeners dance our asses off. However, being 55 minutes in length, this album could’ve been a more solid release had the fat been trimmed. Not all these songs work. The album is at its best when the high-energy and more upbeat tracks hit. “RING THE ALARM” is a riotous banger that uncompromisingly attacks the listener with obnoxious, but rather catchy intensity, “SOMEWHERE ELSE” is a dancey and euphoric earworm, and “I DRINK THE LIGHT” is a dreamy tune that sounds straight out of the late 90’s or early 2000’s, but the more downtempo tracks are a bit drab and unimaginative, and when the excitement wears off, the comedown is hard. Which is frustrating because the duo is capable of crafting a good slowed-down tune. “A BOY LIKE YOU” is a hauntingly moody Trip-Hop track that absolutely needs to be featured in a movie or a movie trailer, but most of the album’s slower tracks lack that engaging style. This album isn’t perfect, but it has more good than bad, and it’s always a pleasant experience when two worlds collide in a way that works.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
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