KORA Return Bigger, Bolder, And More Electrifying Than Ever With New Album Fifth Season And Nationwide Tour

Scoop

2 days ago

Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new
Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of ' Dancing in the Rain ', to the broken-hearted power ballad ' Gone'. ' Falling For You ' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, while the latest single, ' Revolution ' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged.
Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season Digitally and on Vinyl.
Listen/Purchase ' Revolution ' - thanks to the the support of NZ On Air.
The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country.
Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland's iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington's newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October.
Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday.
Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove.
Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production.
The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs.
Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore.
Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched.
01 - Revolution
02 - Dancing In The Rain
03 - U Wanna Give This Up
04 - Gone
05 - Wrong
06 - Sandbox
07 - Falling For You
08 - Bull Rush
09 - Easy Now (Final Season)
10 - Azza