{"product_id":"tuff-times-never-last","title":"Tuff Times never Last","description":"\u003cp\u003eSet for release via Brownswood Recordings, \u003cem\u003eTuff Times Never Last\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver 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 \u003cstrong\u003eOnome Edgeworth\u003c\/strong\u003e 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”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying artwork was painted by Luci Pina, the acclaimed illustrator whose work has been sought and commissioned by the likes of The Cut, Soho House, DICE, Apple Music, and It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is \u003cem\u003eKokoroko\u003c\/em\u003e’s ode to London in the summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking on its design, co-bandleader \u003cstrong\u003eSheila Maurice-Grey\u003c\/strong\u003e said: “The remit was summer in London, family, and a sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 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\u0026amp;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 \u0026amp; Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah, and Cymande.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout this instinctive evolution, the septet's seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who \u003cem\u003eKokoroko\u003c\/em\u003e are as masterful jazz artisans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader \u003cstrong\u003eSheila Maurice-Grey\u003c\/strong\u003e 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”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unveiling of the new album comes alongside the LP’s lead single ‘Sweetie’, a tantalizing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Brownswood Recordings","offers":[{"title":"LP - Purple","offer_id":51596384698699,"sku":"R7781-6556","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51596384665931,"sku":"R7781-0587","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":51596384633163,"sku":"R7781-8657","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/4048ea3d-57f3-4250-b1ef-8ff9cb962773_b19b229c-223b-4aac-bca6-24fb4f1acc36.jpg?v=1752231928","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/products\/tuff-times-never-last","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}