Kokoroko return with Tuff Times Never Last, 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. Embedded within the beautiful artwork by rising artist Luci Pina is Kokoroko’s 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”. Three years on from their debut album, Could We Be More, which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received widespread critical acclaim, Tuff Times Never Last sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences. While 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&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 & Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet’s seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans.