Kora returns with their long-awaited Fifth Season album, a bold new chapter from Aotearoa’s masters of bass-heavy groove. Blending dub, rock and funk, the album channels their signature deep sound while pushing into fresh new territory. The album is heavy, melodic, and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by a band that embraces innovation, storytelling, and raw energy.
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, blending retro funk with soulful modernity, meanwhile, ‘Revolution’ (featuring Laughton Kora) stands out as a powerful reggae anthem for 2025 – punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove, and soulful vocals make it as danceable as it is thought-provoking. ‘Easy Now (Final Season)’ is built on warm basslines, lush guitar layers, and blissed-out grooves, and latest single, ‘U Wanna Give This Up’ delivers a cheeky dose of feel-good summer energy. A bright and breezy standout, the track blends sun-soaked reggae grooves with catchy pop hooks and a playful edge, capturing the spirit of chasing something bigger.
KORA – U Wanna Give This Up (Official Music Video)
The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country this Spring.
Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland’s iconic Powerstat
Tickets for all dates on sale now from https://kora.nz/
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. Their music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by in novation, 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
Kora – Fifth Season Tracklisting
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
Fifth Season Out Now Digitally and on Vinyl.
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