Destroy Electronica

Since it's inception mid 2006, Sora Shima has led an interesting life. From humble beginnings in their home town of Hamilton, the band has developed a reputation for fantastic live shows, so much so, that they have opened for some of New Zealand's finest alternative acts such as Jakob, Dimmer and The Mint Chicks as well as global alt rock icons Broken Social Scene. In addition the band has received notable airplay on the BBC, National Radio NZ, BNet stations throughout NZ, countless pod casts across the world, and had a track included in an independent film 'Jinx Sister', alongside the likes of Sigur Ros.

Having recorded two demo EP's to date, a proper record has been overdue for sometime, and finally 'Destroy Electronica' is here. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek dig at the global hipster community that values appearance more than substance, a finger flicked in the direction of hipster bloggers poisoning the world with their skewed overvaluing of bands considered worthy because they have the right haircut, tight jeans, and a dose of yelping and a liberal smattering of 'wacky' micro Korg effects.

Recorded, mixed and mastered at various locations in Hamilton, 'Destroy Electronica' comprises four very different tracks spanning over 30 minutes. Opener "Here Be Dragons" breezes in like a walk in the park on a summer's morning, only to be interrupted mid way through by the mother of all storms, the kind that makes you want to dance. "River City Reversal" picks up the reins in a similar vein, and could quite possibly be what is heard when one travels out of the womb, warm, happy and utterly chaotic all at the same time. "Calor Humano" (Spanish for 'Body Heat') carries forth the warm feeling but at a lesser pace, it's cello laden rhythms an ideal soundtrack to both a quiet night in with a lover, and a drunken night alone mourning unreciprocated love. Closing track "Hello Big Sky (Radio909 Remix)" mashes beats over droning guitars to tremendous effect, recalling perhaps DJ Shadow and Massive Attack.

In all, 'Destroy Electronica' raises the bar through sheer imagination and attention to detail. This is music that has been created on a part time basis that will last the test of time. If this band ever gets to make music full time, we should all look out. Stay tuned.