18 May 2006 // A review by Shade
Review by Fliss Masters

Kora are the next big thing; that is, if they aren’t already. The four brothers - Stu, Brad, Fran and Laughton Kora along with Dan McGruar make up Kora and have taken the New Zealand Dub scene by storm.
Why? First of all their sound is electrifying, powerful and stimulating. Kora are able to capture you in the moment and hold you to every note played. Not only are these guys talented, passionate musicians with huge spirit; they also have amazing stage presence and are able to entertain any crowd leaving them wanting more!

EP Volume is a phenomenal four song EP which has been out in music stores since 2004. It includes big hits Burning and Politician, which would be enough to complete any Dub/Funk fans CD collection.
The EP has reached No. 4 on the IMNZ (Independent Music New Zealand) chart. They have toured throughout New Zealand playing at famous festivals such as Kaikoura Roots, Soundsplash and have played along with big acts such as Salmonella Dub and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

The four brothers and Dan come from Wellington and Whakatane, having a history with the New Zealand music scence. Brad and Laughton won the National SmokeFree RockQuest in 1999 with their band Aunty Beatrice. In 2001 Laughton and Dan recorded four tracks which included Crazy Things. In 2002 Kora was formed.

If you ever get the chance to see Kora live, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. You will be guaranteed an exhilarating performance, which will more than likely give you goose bumps!

Originally hailing from Whakatane, two of the four musical brothers from the Kora family, Laughton and Brad, began playing together in the early 1990s in a band called Aunty Beatrice, winning the national Rockquest high school band competition in 1991 and the East Coast region Battle Of The Bands three years running, earning a release on Tangata Records for their efforts.

Dan McGruer studied commercial music at Whitireia Community College and is the only non-related member of Kora. He first hooked up with Laughton when they performed together in Queenstown band Soul Charge, playing and writing their own music.

In 2001 Laughton and Dan went out on their own, recording four tracks while on holiday in Queenstown, including 'Crazy Things' and 'Barely Can See', inviting visiting Madagascan tourist Lilou to lay down vocals on the song 'Barely Can See'.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Kora

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