Australian band Tora are playing an interesting role in music at the moment in a sense that they glide between blurred lines of soul, electronica and indie pop with a strength lying in all three. Having already made a name for themselves recently playing mega festivals and shows spanning from Australia to Europe, on their debut LP Take A Rest, the four-piece outfit have opted for more of a soul-stirring, cosmic ride than a ‘sweat it out on the floor’ soundtrack.

Setting the tone of the album with the intro piece ‘Rudie’, mellow trumpet weaves with fuzzy synths for a serene start of the journey. ‘Another Case’ flows into a spirited taking of broken beat/future jazz, built on soulful vocals and upbeat drum kicks, harking back to the Co-op scene of West London and forward-movements of Berlin. ‘Blame’ swings with a Hip-Hop nod as layers of cosmic keys and again lush vocals elegantly dance together. Tora bring their indie experience into the hazy ‘Amsterdam’, using guitar liners as the reel whilst still firmly planted in spacey grounds. ‘Mercury’ is a bluesy bit that kicks with a head-bopping swagger with guest Sam Lawrence called in to slow things down with the hypnotic and gorgeous tune ‘Dope’, which stirs the classic feel of a Stevie Wonder – Herbie Hancock meeting in the modern times. Whilst ‘Too Much’ is a slow, heart-pulling offering, ‘Want Me Gone’ is where the band shines in that specific department, experimenting more with electronica and soul in a manner that is progressive rather than a simple rehashing. Ironically the title cut rounds out the album, almost reiterating the listening experience that was felt over a 15 track span.

Whilst Tora could have easily moved in the direction of a big floor indie pop album, Take A Rest is chance taking opportunity to give something that is moody and atmospheric, beautifully structured and ultimately ear-pleasing regardless of the overly hyper songs storming the market at the moment. When it’s all said and done, this LP will be one that you’ll find yourself revisiting even in years time. Perhaps Tora were truly in the mindset of the future.