KOKOROKO – Tuff Times Never Last – CD [JUL 11]

Description

CD

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 titles origins and meaning: Its true! Although were 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.

The 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 Its Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokorokos ode to London in the summer. Speaking on its design, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: The remit was summer in London, family and sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians.

The artworks imagery and colour was inspired by feelings of innocence and nostalgia – coming of age in London and those rare summer nights where everything felt full of hope. The cityscape also pays homage to Spike Lees 1994 film Crookyln and Rick Famuyiwas 1999 opus The Wood. The band saw these movies as heartwarming representations of black family, community and resilience that served as a balm for them as Londoners. Speaking further on this, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said: Crooklyn is very emotional, but also very uplifting. It felt like how I grew up. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes and dreams. We didnt always have those stories in the UK.

Tracklist:

1. Never Lost
2. Sweetie
3. Closer To Me
4. My Father in Heaven
5. Idea 5 (Call My Name) [feat.LULU.]
6. Three Piece Suit (feat.Azekel)
7. Time and Time (feat.Demae)
8. Da Du Dah
9. Together We Are
10. Just Cant Wait
11. Over / Reprise