kokoroko: tuff times never last
Francisco Espregueira
Dropping tomorrow via Brownswood Recordings Kokoroko's latest offering is titled Tuff Times Never Last - a spirited and vibrant collection that serves as an optimistic reminder to embrace life's many dualities. Three years after their acclaimed debut, Could We Be More, this 11-song suite sees the London-based band expanding their already wide-ranging palette with ease. While their signature afrobeat jazz remains a core element of the album's sonic design, the new record ventures into fresh territory, drawing heavily from 80s British R&B, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock, and funk, taking cues from legends like Loose Ends, Don Blackman, and Patrice Rushen.
Co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey speaks to this exciting sonic evolution, noting: "Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we've tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound. So there is a level of freedom we're starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries." Throughout this instinctive progression, the septet's seasoned musicianship ensures the essence of Kokoroko as masterful jazz artisans remains firmly intact. Tuff Times Never Last explores themes of togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss, and above all, perseverance, solidifying its place as a truly resonant and compelling listen. Available on vinyl.
“Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing.”