The fusion of Tom Rowlands and Aurora delivered a hypnotic live experience in London on March 26th, rooted in emotion and rhythm.
Photo Credit: Dan Lowe
There is always a level of intrigue when two established artists come together, especially when their individual identities are already so strong. In TOMORA, the collaboration between Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers and Aurora feels less like an experiment and more like a natural evolution.
Playing to a sold-out EartH Hackney, the night quickly revealed itself to be one for true heads. The crowd leaned experienced rather than youthful, fans who understand the lineage and were there for the music first. As the room filled and the temperature rose, the space transformed into a proper, sweaty coming together.
On stage, Rowlands stayed locked into his setup, orchestrating from behind a cockpit of machines with the control and subtlety you would expect. There is a confidence in restraint, letting the music speak rather than overperforming. Meanwhile, Aurora, joined by an additional vocalist and percussionist, brought movement and emotion to the forefront. Between expressive dance, layered vocals, and moments of live percussion, the performance felt organic and alive.
Their single ‘Somewhere Else’ stood out as a defining moment. Hypnotic and driving, it pulled the entire room into sync, one of those rare tracks that bridges introspection and dancefloor energy effortlessly.
Sonically, the connection is clear. The influence of The Chemical Brothers runs deep, big, rolling structures and textured builds, but here it is complemented by Aurora’s distinctive voice, adding a sense of space and emotional weight. It is a balance that works.
There was a question beforehand as to whether Rowlands would step away from his The Chemical Brothers roots. In reality, the opposite feels true. At times, the set carried the same presence and impact, only now expanded with a new dimension.
TOMORA does not feel like a side project. It feels fully realised.
For fans of either artist, this is essential. For everyone else, it is a reminder of how powerful electronic music can be when craft, identity, and collaboration align.
With their recent debut in Manchester and London, TOMORA have announced upcoming dates in SWG3 Galvanizers, Glasgow, on 26th October, Roundhouse, London, on 28th October, Amare Den Haag, Netherlands, on 31st October, and UFO Velodrom, Berlin, on 1st November; highly recommended!
