Kokoroko’s 2022 debut ‘Could We Be More’ marked them out as an act to watch, viewing an infectious blend of Afrobeat and jazz through the lens of the vibrant London scene. Its follow up ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is another statement from the group, venturing even further afield in its search for sounds that feel like a perfect tonic for the summer months.
Helmed by co-bandleaders Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth, Never Last opens things smoothly, with laid-back grooves that are easy to get lost in alongside breezy guitar licks, luscious horns and velvet vocals. Sweetie has real energy to it — an obvious future live favourite — and there are shades of Khruangbin’s desert wandering in its approach to genre fusion, never quite going where you might expect.
My Father In Heaven brings an entirely different feel, with a simple keyboard bed allowing the almost a cappella vocals to shine through beautifully. Time and Time, meanwhile, has more of a soul flavour with Demae guesting behind the mic.
Idea 5 has an irresistible sense of movement to it and here, as well as across the record, each of Kokoroko’s seven members is afforded a moment in the spotlight while always highlighting the dynamism of the collective.
This is an often euphoric collection full of good vibes, fun and musical variety as Kokoroko place their own spin on a wealth of sounds, capturing the diversity of their backgrounds while celebrating the communal power of music.
Kokoroko Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri September 19 2025 - LEEDS Project House
Mon September 22 2025 - BRISTOL Electric Bristol (Formerly SWX)
Thu September 25 2025 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
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