Brownswood Recordings
Kokoroko - Tuff Times Never Last
Kokoroko
Tuff Times Never Last
Released digitally on July 11th via Brownswood Recordings
‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is a spirited and vibrant collection of songs serving as an optimistic reminder to tightly hold and embrace the many dualities that occur in life. Over the course of the 11-song suite, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss and above all perseverance.
Initially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title’s origins and meaning: “It’s true! 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”.
Three years on from their debut album ‘Could We Be More’ which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received acclaim from The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine and Downbeat Magazine, ‘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”.
| track | artist | |
|---|---|---|
| Never Lost | Kokoroko | 4:23 |
| Sweetie | Kokoroko | 4:04 |
| Closer To Me | Kokoroko | 5:23 |
| My Father in Heaven | Kokoroko | 2:29 |
| Idea 5 (Call My Name) (feat. LULU.) | Kokoroko | 4:51 |
| Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel) | Kokoroko | 4:34 |
| Time and Time (feat. Demae) | Kokoroko | 3:14 |
| Da Du Dah | Kokoroko | 3:48 |
| Together We Are | Kokoroko | 3:40 |
| Just Can’t Wait | Kokoroko | 6:22 |
| Over - Reprise | Kokoroko | 6:45 |
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