TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST by KOKOROKO
| SKU | 140667 |
| Artist | KOKOROKO |
| Title | TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST |
| Label | BROWNSWOOD RECORDS |
| Catalog # | BWOOD 408LP |
| Tag | |
| Release | W 28 - 2025 |
| Format | Vinyl - UKLP |
| EAN Barcode | 5060180327231 |
| € 28,50 | incl. VAT, excl. shipping |
Description
‘Tuff Times Never Last’ sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences.
While the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is still a core part of the record’s sonic design, the new album largely pulls from British R&B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk. Sonically taking cues from the likes of Loose Ends, Don Blackman, Common, Sly & Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet's seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans.
Speaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “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”.
The unveiling of the new album comes alongside the LP’s lead single ‘Sweetie’, a tantalising first taste of the new record that bridges the gap between where the band has been and where they’re going. A tribute to the playful bond between lovers, ‘Sweetie’ is a horn-led and wonky-sounding tune saluting West African disco. It expands upon the band exploring more electronic sounds and toying with obscure drum machine and synth sounds.
