In the run up to the release of their debut album, Take A Rest, the Byron Bay four-piece Tora further open up their eclectic, extensively recorded and produced collection of dance-leaning tracks with the multi-textured ‘Empyrean’. The strange, industrialist sounds of the track’s initial moments give way to a dreamy synth melody while lead vocalist Joe Lewenthal’s soft vocal drifts along with these dance-leaning electronics. From these oceanic waves, ‘Empyrean’ gradually fades out, but then the band brings it back with an intricate and still melodious production that would sound quite at home on Jamie xx’s In Colour LP or perhaps one of Nick Murphy's latest creations. Unpredictably, the track doesn’t return to those indie melodies, instead leading the listener out with these hedonistic beats. The structure and vibe of ‘Empyrean’ is very much in keeping with the description that Tora give to their upcoming album. As Lewenthal tells us, “Making the music was our way of escaping reality and finding a peaceful place in our minds, so we hope the listener can find that same place when listening.” - HT