Tora - So Strong (2025)

English label AOR Blvd Records has become more than just a hidden gem for releasing rare AOR treasures in recent years. The British band TORA is no exception, and the album title “So Strong” says it all: fans of driving AOR ala Outside Edge, 2AM, It Bites, ’80s Saga, and Cutting Crew with a touch of Hi-Tech will be delighted with the eighth installment in the label’s Collectors Series.
The recordings themselves date back to 1988, professionally done and mixed, but only a few cassette copies were distributed for promotion. TORA were very, very good, with gigs supporting the likes of lan Gillan, Gypsy Queen, Dare, Dogs D’Amour and, err… Celtic Frost and The Happy Mondays along the way, while Tora still didn’t have a record deal. What they needed was a Keith Olsen or a Mutt Lange, somebody that could explore this bands finer intricacies.
The CD is limited to 500 copies and comes with liner notes by expert Rob Evans (Rok Candy / Powerplay Magazines) and fully remastered audio.

Tracks:

01 – If This Is Love
02 – What’s Become Of You?
03 – Insecurity
04 – You And I
05 – Climbing Up The Walls
06 – Be So Strong
07 – Nothing New
08 – If I Ever Grow At All

Personnel:

Pete McGuckian Vocals
Nigel Blythe Bass
Kev Branney Keyboards
Paul Lucas Drums and Programming
Pete North Guitars
Paul Wheeldon Guitars and Backing Vocals
Additional Backing Vocals The Torettes