Not what you’d expect from the name – no, not a goth or metal band – Sorceress is the new name for the band previously known as Funkommunity, who made a good impression with their 2012 debut album ‘Chequered Thoughts’, also touring Europe and Japan, as well as being involved on the NZ festival circuit. The 5-piece Auckland act comprises the vocal power of singer Rachel Fraser (who used to be in the Recloose line-up), trumpeter/producer and beat-maker Isaac Aesili, guitarist Dan Ryland, bassist Marika Hodgson and Tom Broome on drums.

The name change was to get away from any ‘funk’ expectations – Sorceress are a class soul electronica act. Fraser’s powerful voice reminds a little of Ladi6 (without the husky undertones), and also has a lot in common with the renowned voices of early ’90s-on vibey, funky electronica – Morcheeba, Erykah Badu etc. Of course there’s also a distinct NZ edge to the whole thing. Referencing the past as well as pointing to the future, not to coin a cliché, but Sorceress can easily be called ‘timeless’ as well as being wholly contemporary and innovative. A contradiction? Not in the hands of these individuals. Very freakin’ groovy.