Tora’s latest record, ‘Temps De Flors,’ makes me “Happy To Have Today”
Written by Sara West
Indie band Tora’s latest release, ‘Temps De Flors,’ is here just in time for the flowers to begin to bloom in Australia. The band's fourth LP, released today, is a vivid and diverse collection of 13 songs that showcase the band’s evolving sound. Each song offers a unique listening experience, from daring, electronic beats to more intimate, lyrically focused songs. With a title that translates to "Time of the Flowers" in Catalan, the new album brings in various elements of the band’s time writing this album in Catalonia last year.
Though Catalonia was the primary inspiration for the album, the band never intentionally planned to record the album there. However, they stumbled upon the studio when they were searching online, and if it hadn’t been for that studio, the album might not be what it came to be. Fruit trees and other aspects of nature’s beauty surrounded the studio, inviting the band to witness the changing of the seasons, which became the primary inspiration for the album. When writing, Tora simply allowed these glistenings of spring to “manifest [into] the music.”
The band noted that they enjoyed writing the album in a new location. One member said, “It really brings a new energy to the process. When it comes to creativity, there are really no rules, but you have to find a way to be inspired, and if you’re in your comfort zone, it gets too easy, so being in an unfamiliar place is usually a good way to get inspired.”
As mentioned, the band was indeed inspired by their new surroundings. The album explores themes of moving from darkness into light, turning challenges into opportunities, and embracing changing times. They hope this album allows listeners to embrace the beauty of spring and step out of any winter emotions they’re experiencing. Tracks such as “Happy To Have Today” – lead vocalist Jo Loewenthal’s favorite song — are meant to program people to feel good about being alive and have a sense of optimism for what’s to come.
When asked to describe what the "Time of the Flowers" meant to each band member, each provided a word: lead vocalist Jo Loewenthal chose "bloom," drummer Thorne Davis picked "revival," bass guitarist Shaun Johnston selected "color," and multi-instrumentalist Jai Piccone opted for "growth." These words perfectly encapsulate the essence of ‘Temps De Flors.’
In addition to the release of the project being a celebration, the album is also a celebration of the band being together for over ten years. The band noted that they have finally reached a point where they are confident in their skill set and have never experienced such a fluid time writing an album. One member specifically noted that “we came into this album a lot more unified and certain about what we were doing and the process…it was the most harmonious writing process [with] the least creative clashes [and] the most synergy as a result of knowing each other well.”
Listeners can clearly hear this synergy throughout the album as ‘Temps De Flors’ is a beautiful collection that allows listeners to transcend into it and experience the time of the flowers themselves. As the flowers continue to bloom in Australia, I hope this album reaches new listeners as well, allowing everyone to experience the beauty and freshness of spring.
