Amplifier

14.05.08

Talked about as the most explosive new talent in New Zealand for the last couple of years on the back of a truckload of awesome live gigs, Kora's self-titled debut album stormed to the top of the NZ album charts in its first week of release, knocking none less than Foo Fighters off the top spot.

"Kora" by Kora achieved Gold status in only its first week of release in New Zealand as the Maori band of brothers became only the second homegrown act to debut at Number 1 with their sophomore release in the last 20 years. The album is now 6 months in the NZ top 20 on the spin and Platinum to boot.

Their spectacular live act, fusing roots, soul, techno, funk, metal and the haka, has already created havoc down under. Everyone who witnessed Kora's sell-out debut European performances at London KOKO and Edinburgh Cabaret Voltaire last year will testify that this act Kick it Live! It's like The Prodigy meets Bob Marley and The Wailers.

"This was music with extremely loud bass and even more attitude. With big beat, dub, reggae, breakbeat, house and rock influences that drove the crowd wild and no doubt the whole London Kiwi workforce down the next day" IDJ October 2007

Kora return to the UK in July 2008 to celebrate their sophomore European release. As well as playing live on the main stages at WOMAD (July 26th) and The Larmer Tree Festival July 19th) and 2 nights in Edinburgh, Kora will play their only London show of the year at Shepherd's Bush Empire on Friday July 25th.

"Kora is a force to be reckoned with. The band's funky, dub and reggae beats and awesome vocal harmonies have gained them a huge fan base." TV2 (New Zealand).

Kora will release the "Flow" EP, their UK debut, on July 7th on Shiva Records. Remixes come courtesy of Shiva's resident dons of eclectic cool Crazy P and amillionsons.

Shiva Records will release "Kora", the debut album by Kora in the UK and Europe on July 14th.

"Undoubtedly one to watch for the future, Kora are a band that's spread out both geographically and sonically." The Package (New Zealand)

"KORA rock! ... have seen these guys go from strength to strength from Whakatane back in the day...keep it up" The Source (New Zealand)

UK Tour Dates

19th July
The Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury U.K.

20 July
Carling Academy 2, Birmingham

21 July
Cabaret Voltaire, Scotland

22 July
Cabaret Voltaire, Scotland

23 July
Carling Academy 2,  Sheffield

24 July 
Carling Academy, Bristol

25 July
Shepherds Bush Empire,  london

26 July
WOMAD U.K.