Album Review: Tuff Times Never Last by Kokoroko

Whereas 2022's acclaimed debut Could We Be More presented a robust blend of jazz-derived improvisation and polyrhythmic Afrobeat energy, Tuff Times Never Last lowers the tempo and sweaty intensity to head towards a cross-section of smooth 1980s soul, swinging lovers rock and various, distinctly British past masters of funkiness (say, Cymande) for inspiration. There are obvious indicators of the London seven-piece's ongoing commitment to the spontaneity of jazz along the way but Tuff Times Never Last emphasises substantial tunes over instrumental stretching-out. At first, the results can feel confoundingly slick, and almost disappointingly short on the band's renowned bounce.

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KOKOROKO's second studio album, ‘Tuff Times Never Last’, is a love letter to a hot London summer, exploring a sensuous, jazz-tinged cityscape. Though mostly optimistic, there is an undercurrent of melancholy here, the sense that great art and love is often born from hardship. Lead single ‘Sweetie’ is a treat, echoing an energetic afternoon in the sun, whilst the likes of ‘My Father’ reflects, with vocals a little more raw than we've heard from KOKOROKO so far.

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