KOKOROKO
COULD WE BE MORE

THE REVIEW

The name Kokoroko (pronounced the Italian way) might make you smile, but they are truly one of the most interesting groups on the London music scene in the last fifteen years: an octet led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey, creating a hybrid sound where Latin vibes blend with jùjú-Yoruba influences from West Africa, the prevailing sounds of the Caribbean, all tinged with jazz, soul, and funk.

It goes without saying, then, that this COULD WE BE MORE – their debut album released in 2022 – is a welcoming and omnivorous record, brilliantly opened by the sparkling «Tojo», showcasing the full range of sounds that recurs throughout the other 14 tracks: ambient flourishes, robust afrobeat rhythms, electric guitar, and a melodic, sensual heart tickled by the brass.

Towards the end – in my opinion – comes the absolute highlight: «War Dance», with a fine solo by the leader and then by guitarist Tobi Adenaike-Johnson (evoking Carlos Santana). The album closes with the chorus of the evocative «Something’s Going On», which seems almost like a quote – or a 21st-century afro-funk answer – to the question “What’s Going On” that Marvin Gaye posed fifty years ago.

From those same seventies I would generally point to echoes of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and, naturally – looking across the Atlantic – the great father of afrobeat, none other than Fela Kuti.

Lots of rhythm and plenty of groove, a world music rich with aromas and references, aside from a few slightly lighter moments («We Give Thanks»; «Dide O» and «Home»: almost like a Caribbean love boat).

And so a promising debut album, though still searching for its own original, non-derivative identity.

Beautiful packaging and a carefully designed cover artwork, with four hands arranged like the cardinal points, emphasizing an imaginary crossroads of languages and contaminations. We’ll see how their story unfolds, but for now, this is a highly recommended album.