London-based Jazz collective Kokoroko have unveiled their new single “Just Can’t Wait,” the latest taste of their forthcoming second studio album Tuff Times Never Last. Conveying a feeling of exuberance, celebration and high spirits, “Just Can’t Wait” is a soulful and optimistic meditation on memory, reconciliation and renewed love after a period of hardship.

 

 

The lyrics capture the poignant moment when longing finally gives way to fulfillment, marking a joyful transition. Evoking a sense of nostalgia and desire for reconnection, the song opens with the lyrics “I told you once, that I was waiting for the night that we could step again”.

In what has become customary with many songs by Kokoroko, “Just Can’t Wait” is the sum of a vast pot of influences and references. Over the course of the 6 minute runtime, the track pays homage to the Brit-funk sounds of British bands like Loose Ends, the 80s jazz-funk stylings of Don Blackman, all the while subtly incorporating elements of Ghanaian highlife and Congolese guitars—each brought vividly to life through Tobi Adenaike’s expressive guitar work.

 

 

Co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey whose stunning and rich alto leads the vocal on the song said: “It’s a song with a congregational feeling for the steppers. One that people can listen to on a Saturday or Sunday morning and feel uplifted. A big reference for the track were the horn melodies from Tom Browne’s ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.)’”.

“Just Can’t Wait” marks the latest offering from the septet’s upcoming album Tuff Times Never Last which is set for release on July 11th via Brownswood Recordings. The new body of work 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.

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 It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokoroko’s ode to London in the summer.

While the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is 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.