Electronic Euphoria

The electronic supergroup TOMORA's debut album COME CLOSER is a high-energy, captivating record that blends techno beats with powerful vocal performances to create one of the most dynamic album releases of 2026, so far.

A Long Time in the Making

Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora Aksnes and one-half of The Chemical Brothers, Tom Rowlands, joined forces to create an expectation-free album that reinforced why they became musicians. This album was by no means a commercial success, only debuting on European album charts, but COME CLOSER was never created for the charts; it was created for the art. Almost a decade in the making, the record is the culmination of two premier musical talents experimenting within each other's worlds to create a refreshed and unique sound. The lack of creative boundaries is apparent throughout, as the duo seamlessly shifts between relentless dance production and more atmospheric passages without ever feeling confined to one style.

COME CLOSER is a collaboration that had the potential to be truly extraordinary. Pairing one of electronic music's most influential producers with one of the most distinctive voices in modern music seemed like a recipe for one of the year's defining albums. While the record doesn't quite reach those lofty expectations, it still succeeds as an exciting and refreshing project that allows both artists to step outside of their comfort zones. Rather than feeling like an AURORA album with electronic production or a Tom Rowlands project featuring guest vocals, COME CLOSER finds a satisfying middle ground where both artists leave an equal imprint on the music.

Strength in Synthesis

One of the album's greatest strengths is its pacing. The seamless transition from "PLEASE" into "COME CLOSER" immediately immerses the listener, and the record rarely loses its momentum from there. Rather than relying on the same driving techno rhythms throughout, Rowlands continually reshapes the production, weaving together pulsating synths, booming percussion, and atmospheric interludes that keep each track feeling distinct. Even as the album slows down with tracks like "HAVE YOU SEEN ME DANCE ALONE?" and "WAVELENGTHS," it never feels stagnant, instead creating space before launching back into some of the album's most exhilarating moments. That careful sequencing makes COME CLOSER feel more like a complete listening experience than simply a collection of electronic songs.

The production may be the foundation of the album, but AURORA's vocal performances are what give it its identity. Her airy, ethereal delivery contrasts beautifully with Rowlands' hard-hitting electronic production, creating a balance that neither artist could have achieved alone. Whether on the infectious energy of "RING THE ALARM," the hypnotic groove of "I DRINK THE LIGHT," or the soaring title track, the chemistry between the duo remains the album's greatest strength.

Built for the Stage

Seeing TOMORA perform at Coachella earlier this year only reinforced that connection. In a live setting, these songs felt even more fully realized. Rowlands' booming production filled the Gobi Stage while AURORA's captivating stage presence brought an added emotional weight that isn't always as apparent on the studio recordings. Songs like "I DRINK THE LIGHT" and "RING THE ALARM" took on an entirely different energy live, making the project feel louder, more immersive, and ultimately more complete than it does through headphones alone.

There are moments where COME CLOSER feels like it is on the verge of becoming something even greater. A handful of tracks blend together more than they should, preventing the album from fully capitalizing on the immense talent behind the collaboration. However, whenever the duo reaches its highest peaks, the results are exceptional. "SOMEWHERE ELSE" is the undeniable centerpiece of the album, pairing mesmerizing production with AURORA's most captivating vocal performance to create one of the year's most captivating songs. By the time the record closes with "THE THING" and the reflective "IN A MINUTE," TOMORA leaves listeners with a clear sense of what this collaboration is capable of.

Although it is unlikely to become one of 2026's biggest commercial successes, COME CLOSER stands as one of the year's more refreshing releases. It may not completely fulfill the immense expectations that came with pairing two artists of this caliber, but it is an ambitious debut that proves TOMORA is far more than a one-off collaboration. If this record is any indication, the duo has only begun to scratch the surface of what they can create together.

My Rating of COME CLOSER

Top 3: "SOMEWHERE ELSE,” “I DRINK THE LIGHT,” and “IN A MINUTE”

Overall Rating: 88/100