Album: Kokoroko - Tuff Times Never Last

This second album from London-based septet Kokoroko welcomes you into its warm embrace with the gorgeous, beatific vocal harmonies of “Never Lost” anchored by drummer Ayo Salawu's pulsating backbeat.

 A horn-driven celebration of West African disco, the unexpected key change in "Sweetie" catches you delightfully off-guard and epitomises the album's spirit of musical adventure. The hypnotic neo-soul sound-world of "Closer To Me" sees Duane Atherley's fluid bass line providing the foundation for an uplifting summer anthem. Meanwhile, the deeply personal "My Father in Heaven" strips everything back to those signature vocal harmonies, creating an intimate moment of reflection with minimal instrumental accompaniment provided by keys/bass.

The album's collaborative spirit shines through standout tracks like the marble-smooth "Idea 5 (Call My Name)" featuring LULU, the intricate Afrobeat layers of "Three Piece Suit" with Azekel, and the euphoric "Time and Time" featuring Demae's transcendent choruses.

"Da Du Dah" is a supremely catchy, radio-friendly gem whose electronic handclaps and playful synth work seems to nod to the 1980s with a groove and optimism reminiscent of Patrice Rushen's "Remind Me”. This leads into "Together We Are”, where funk meets bossa nova in an unexpectedly trippy fusion that builds to an impressively distorted climax.

Fronted by the stunning alto voice of Sheila Maurice-Grey, "Just Can't Wait” is a soulful meditation on memory, reconciliation and renewed love which draws from a vast well of influences, from Loose Ends to Ghanaian highlife, brought to life through Tobi Adenaike's consummate guitar work. The lush brass arrangements and synth-drenched textures of "Over/Reprise” provides this fine album with a fitting farewell.

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Watch the official video for “Da Du Dah”