Updated: 8 hours ago
Kokoroko’s stamp on British music has already set brains alight and caused eyes to intensively watch their vibrant uprise, and now returning with their latest romantic single 'Closer To Me' full of yearning and longing.
Produced by Miles James (Little Simz, Yussef Dayes, Tom Misch) ‘Closer To Me’ is another medal to add to Kokoroko’s honours list. A swaggering, rhythmic and experimental piece, they never fail to succeed in hitting the parts of your soul that permeate joy and happiness.
Centred around themes of intimacy and togetherness, it feels hypnotic with the repeated phrases of When you call me baby / Baby make me lose control / Do I like it maybe / Sweet my mind and sweet my soul” creating an air of suspense, with the back to back almost like a phone call between two lovers who long for each other.
Speaking on the decision to creatively explore the matters of the heart with more directness in their music, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “You can feel like especially as musicians, you don't want to write about love because everyone’s writing about love. But then sometimes that’s actually, that's all I want to write about. So why not lean into it?”
It feels like an old school hip-hop record with the ever-present drums and magnificent sampling, but accompanied by soulful R&B elements, we are offered a chalice of creativity to sip on, and it tastes good.
The ending monologue, supported by the backing, gives the track simplicity, but reflects the impact of spoken word. A humanistic element connects with the listener on a more personal level. It feels real, it feels good; it’s Kokoroko at their very best.
‘Closer To Me’ teases us even more, and it brings something new to their palette. It offers something palpable and organic. The track is set to feature on Tuff Times Never Last, the leading nominee for soundtrack of the summer, available to enjoy on the 11th July.
With ‘Closer To Me’, we are presented with not only another delicate taste of jazz in a new form, but a vibrant, colourful future for music. Brighter days are in site.
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