Jia Lissa
The release of "Come Closer," the debut album from TOMORA, marks a significant artistic evolution, formally establishing the collaborative partnership between Tom Rowlands of the legendary electronic duo The Chemical Brothers and critically acclaimed Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora. Described by early reviewers as an "exceptional work" that rivals even The Chemical Brothers’ most celebrated LPs, the album solidifies a creative synergy that has been gestating over several years, transforming a series of guest appearances into a cohesive, genre-bending project. This new venture sees Aurora’s distinctive, "bewitching, kooky words" intricately enmeshed within Rowlands’ signature, expansive soundscapes, forging an auditory experience that traverses the realms of pulsating dancefloor anthems and deeply enchanting downtempo explorations.
The Genesis of TOMORA: From Collaboration to Collective
The formalization of TOMORA as a "proper band" is the culmination of a burgeoning artistic relationship between two distinct yet complementary musical forces. Tom Rowlands, one half of the iconic British electronic act The Chemical Brothers, has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music for over three decades, establishing a legacy built on innovative sound design, powerful rhythms, and immersive sonic experiences. His partner in TOMORA, Aurora Aksnes, known mononymously as Aurora, has captivated audiences worldwide with her ethereal vocals, introspective lyricism, and a unique artistic persona that blends elements of art-pop, folk, and electronic music.
Their initial collaborations provided a fertile testing ground for their combined creative potential. Aurora first lent her distinctive vocal talents to The Chemical Brothers on tracks from their previous two studio albums. She notably featured on "The Darkness That You Fear" from their ninth studio album, No Geography, released in 2019. This collaboration was well-received, hinting at a deeper connection between Rowlands’ intricate production and Aurora’s expressive delivery. The partnership continued with her contribution to "Live Your Life," a track from The Chemical Brothers’ tenth studio album, For That Beautiful Feeling, which arrived in September 2023. These successful forays laid the groundwork, demonstrating a clear artistic compatibility that transcended mere guest spots, prompting the natural progression towards a dedicated project. The establishment of TOMORA represents a deliberate step to explore this synergy more deeply, offering a platform where both artists can fully integrate their individual strengths into a unified artistic vision.
Tom Rowlands: Architect of Electronic Soundscapes
Tom Rowlands’ career is synonymous with the evolution of electronic music. As a pivotal figure in The Chemical Brothers, alongside Ed Simons, he has been at the forefront of the big beat genre, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of dance music globally. Their discography, spanning over ten studio albums, is replete with critical and commercial successes, earning them multiple Grammy Awards and Brit Awards. Tracks like "Block Rockin’ Beats," "Galvanize," and "Hey Boy Hey Girl" are not just electronic anthems but cultural touchstones, known for their innovative use of samples, powerful basslines, and euphoric breakdowns. Rowlands’ meticulous approach to production, his ability to craft intricate, layered soundscapes that are both sonically rich and emotionally resonant, is a hallmark of his work. His ventures outside The Chemical Brothers, though less frequent, have always underscored his versatility and a keen ear for collaboration, often seeking out vocalists who can bring a unique narrative dimension to his instrumental prowess. With TOMORA, Rowlands embarks on a project that allows for a more sustained exploration of vocal-led electronic music, moving beyond the traditional instrumental focus of The Chemical Brothers while retaining his signature sonic complexity.
Aurora: A Voice of Ethereal Distinction
Aurora Aksnes emerged from Norway with a captivating blend of vulnerability and strength, quickly establishing herself as one of contemporary music’s most unique voices. Her music often weaves together introspective lyrics with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes, drawing comparisons to artists like Björk and Enya, yet maintaining a distinct identity. Since her debut EP Running with the Wolves in 2015 and subsequent album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2016), Aurora has garnered a dedicated global fanbase. Her albums, including A Different Kind of Human (Step 2) (2019) and The Gods We Can Touch (2022), have explored themes of environmentalism, human connection, mental health, and spiritual awakening, all delivered with her characteristic blend of childlike wonder and profound wisdom. Aurora’s vocal range, her ability to shift from delicate whispers to soaring crescendos, coupled with her quirky, poetic lyricism, makes her a compelling collaborator. Her presence in TOMORA is not merely as a vocalist but as an integral storyteller, her words forming the lyrical and emotional core around which Rowlands’ productions coalesce.
"Come Closer": An Album of Expansive Sonic Tapestries
"Come Closer" is characterized by its remarkable breadth, seamlessly oscillating between high-energy dancefloor excursions and deeply immersive, experimental downtempo pieces. This dual nature is a testament to the synergistic creative process of Rowlands and Aurora, allowing for a multifaceted listening experience that defies easy categorization.
The Dancefloor Imperatives:
The album is punctuated by tracks designed to ignite the dancefloor, bearing the unmistakable rhythmic hallmarks of Rowlands’ production genius. ‘Ring The Alarm’ is highlighted as an "electrobreakbeat missive," suggesting a track driven by propulsive, broken rhythms and electrifying synth work, typical of the more aggressive and dynamic corners of electronic music. ‘My Baby’ is described as a "proggy block-rockin’ cut," an evocative phrase that brings to mind the layered, evolving structures of progressive electronic music combined with the raw, impactful energy that defines The Chemical Brothers’ "block rockin’" sound. This track likely features intricate arrangements and a driving momentum that builds anticipation and release.
‘Somewhere Else’ is noted for its "trippy" quality, implying a track that utilizes psychedelic textures, shifting soundscapes, and perhaps disorienting sonic elements to create an immersive, altered state for the listener. This often involves intricate delays, reverbs, and modulated synthesizers that bend perception. ‘I Drink The Light’ is heralded as "brilliant, mercurial," suggesting a track that is both technically accomplished and emotionally dynamic, perhaps shifting moods and intensities throughout its duration, showcasing Aurora’s vocal versatility and Rowlands’ command of evolving sonic narratives. The album culminates with ‘In A Minute,’ a "closing banger," promising a powerful and memorable conclusion to the album’s dance-oriented offerings, likely leaving listeners with a lasting impression of energy and euphoria. Another standout, ‘Have You Seen Me Dance Alone?’, is praised for holding "the internationalism of Gorillaz," hinting at a track that effortlessly blends diverse musical influences and global sounds, much like Damon Albarn’s genre-hopping virtual band, appealing to a broad, cosmopolitan audience with its infectious grooves and innovative arrangements.
Enchanting Downtempo and Experimental Frontiers:
Beyond the pulsating rhythms, "Come Closer" reveals an equally rich tapestry of "enchanting downtempo material." This aspect of the album delves into more introspective, atmospheric, and experimental territories, showcasing the depth of TOMORA’s artistic ambition. The review draws a rich array of comparisons, each shedding light on the album’s intricate influences:
- Ethereal 4AD acts: This comparison immediately evokes the lush, atmospheric soundscapes and often enigmatic vocals characteristic of labels like 4AD in the 1980s and 90s, particularly bands like Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and Dead Can Dance. It suggests a focus on shimmering synths, expansive reverbs, and a sense of otherworldly beauty that prioritizes mood and texture.
- Björk: The mention of Björk points towards an avant-garde approach to vocalization and electronic production. It implies a willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures, innovative sound design, and a unique, often theatrical vocal delivery that can be both intimate and grand.
- Nina Hagen experimental cabaret: This reference conjures images of theatricality, unconventional vocal techniques, and a fearless embrace of the bizarre and the dramatic. It suggests that Aurora’s "kooky words" might take on a more performative, expressive quality in these tracks, pushing the boundaries of traditional singing.
- Neo-folk madrigals: This intriguing juxtaposition implies a blend of modern electronic textures with ancient, melodic vocal harmonies and storytelling traditions. It could mean minimalist arrangements, intricate vocal layering, and a timeless, perhaps melancholic, lyrical sensibility.
- Depth-charged digital dub: This comparison suggests the incorporation of dub’s signature echo effects, heavy basslines, and spatial arrangements, but recontextualized within a digital framework. It would involve deep, resonant soundscapes that feel expansive and immersive, often with a sense of rhythmic weight and hypnotic repetition.
- Sinead-style hymnal laments: This evokes the powerful, emotionally raw, and often spiritual vocal delivery characteristic of artists like Sinéad O’Connor. It implies tracks that are deeply moving, perhaps featuring sparse arrangements that allow Aurora’s voice to convey profound emotion and vulnerability, reminiscent of sacred music.
The ability to seamlessly integrate such a diverse range of influences—from post-punk etherealism to avant-garde pop, from traditional folk to digital reggae—is a testament to Rowlands’ mastery of production and Aurora’s vocal adaptability. These downtempo tracks are where Aurora’s "bewitching, kooky words" truly shine, her lyrical narratives finding a perfect home within Rowlands’ carefully crafted, intricate soundscapes. The themes explored are likely to be as varied as the musical styles, encompassing introspection, wonder, existential musings, and perhaps even socio-political commentary, all filtered through Aurora’s unique artistic lens.
Critical Acclaim and Broader Implications
The immediate critical assessment of "Come Closer" positions it as a significant achievement, directly comparing it to the formidable discography of The Chemical Brothers. The declaration that the album "stands up against any of your fave Chems LPs" is high praise indeed, underscoring its quality and impact. This suggests that the album successfully navigates the challenge of satisfying fans of both artists while forging a distinct identity. For Chemical Brothers aficionados, it offers Rowlands’ signature sonic precision and rhythmic power, albeit in a more vocally integrated context. For Aurora’s followers, it presents her unique artistry within a sophisticated electronic framework that elevates her expressions.
The success of TOMORA as a formalized band rather than a transient collaboration holds significant implications for the broader music industry. It exemplifies a growing trend where established artists from different genres can merge their creative forces to produce entirely new artistic entities. This model moves beyond the traditional guest feature, suggesting a deeper commitment to shared vision and sustained artistic output. Such ventures can push creative boundaries, challenge genre conventions, and open new avenues for both artists involved, potentially inspiring other producers and vocalists to explore similar long-term partnerships.
Future Trajectories and Lasting Impact
"Come Closer" arrives at a time when electronic music continues to evolve, embracing cross-genre pollination and innovative collaborations. TOMORA’s debut perfectly encapsulates this spirit of fluidity and reinvention. The album’s diverse sonic palette, moving from propulsive dance tracks to deeply contemplative pieces, positions it as a work of broad appeal that can resonate across various listening contexts – from the club to solitary introspection.
Looking ahead, the establishment of TOMORA as a "proper band" opens up exciting possibilities for live performances. Given The Chemical Brothers’ legendary reputation for immersive visual shows and Aurora’s captivating stage presence and theatricality, a TOMORA live experience would undoubtedly be a spectacle. The rich, dynamic soundscapes of "Come Closer" are ripe for translation into a powerful audiovisual performance, offering fans a truly unique concert experience that merges cutting-edge electronic production with evocative vocal artistry.
Ultimately, "Come Closer" is poised to be remembered as a landmark release in the careers of both Tom Rowlands and Aurora. It is not merely an extension of their individual works but a potent synthesis, demonstrating the profound creative potential that emerges when two distinct artistic visions converge with mutual respect and a shared commitment to innovation. The album’s critical reception and its profound musicality suggest a lasting impact, solidifying TOMORA’s place as a compelling new entity in the landscape of contemporary electronic music.
