LEGENDARY BRITISH FUNK BAND CYMANDE RETURN WITH THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM RENASCENCE
SET FOR RELEASE JANUARY 31 2025 VIA BMG
FIRST SINGLE “CHASING AN EMPTY DREAM” OUT NOW
PERFORMING ON UK TELEVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
ON LATER W/ JOOLS HOLLAND ON OCTOBER 26th
ANNOUNCES U.S. TOUR DATES WITH MORE TO FOLLOW GLOBALLY IN 2025
October 16, 2024 – Today, legendary British band Cymande announce their musical return with their first studio album in many years, Renascence, set for release January 31, 2025 via BMG. Listen to first single “Chasing An Empty Dream” + Pre-order Renascence. The band also announced today a U.S. headline tour, hitting major markets like New York and Los Angeles in February 2025 – full dates and info below. Tickets for all shows will go on sale this Friday October 18th.
A true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography, Renascence picks up where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the United States and UK. Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got its due back in the day; but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves – politically aware, and spiritually positive with infectious grooves.
“Chasing An Empty Dream,” out today, is the first track on Renascence, beckoning you back into the world of Cymande with an unforgettable grizzly bassline hook – as is their way – addictive percussion, global rhythms inspired by their diasporic origins, layered horns and a powerful message for the world.
Bassist, Steve Scipio says that “The genesis for this song stemmed from an observation on the kind of world we are living in; reflected in the materialistic focus of today’s society and culture. But the song also has a positive message of hope and optimism. A hope that one day society will see sense and pull back from the brink; to once again understand and appreciate the importance of the values that were once held so dear, in shaping a positive future for all.”
Renascence has everything both old fans and new would want from a Cymande album – spacious, haunting grooves that build over time, letting saxophones wail, drumbeats echo, and guitars trill – see “Coltrane,” “How We Roll (feat. Jazzie B) and “I Wanna Know.” Upbeat soulful dance breaks on “The Darkest Night” and “Carry The World,” and soulful ballads like “Only One Way” (featuring Celeste) on lead vocals, and “Road To Zion” all coalesce into one of the most powerful comeback records, from a band with a lot to say. Produced by Ben Baptie, Cymande is led by its founding members Patrick Patterson (guitars, vocals) & Steve Scipio (bass, vocals). The band also comprises long time members, Keyboardist Adrian Reid and vocalist Raymond Simpson, with the full complement of players being Richard Bailey (Drums), Donald Gamble (Percussion), Denys Baptiste (Saxophone) Kevin Davy (Trumpet) and Toni Kofi (Saxophone).
Renascence will be available to stream, download, on CD and on 180gram black vinyl at all major retailers. A limited edition transparent coral vinyl edition will be made available on the band’s official online store and at select indie retail accounts.
Ghanaian born, British based artist Koby Martin (who created the album artwork), explains that “The composition of the artwork comprises a sun rise, which sets the tone and atmosphere of the image from the centre. It symbolizes the continuation of Cymande’s reign as they set pace with their ever-flamboyant sound. Positioned in front of the rising sun, is a portal and a laurel wreath. The latter of which symbolizes victory & accolades. The portal carries a morphing dove as it evolves into its final form; as a symbol of rebirth & new life to continue the journey of where it left off. Below, we see a pair of hands, which do not only represent Cymande’s fanbase but also those that are yet to receive the message being delivered by the dove. Finally, the colours in the background are a translation of the sounds the audience are going to be experiencing whilst listening to the album.”
Earlier this year, Cymande’s unique story was told on the on big screen for the first time in the UK (via BFI) and in cinemas around the world (via Abramorama) with Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande (Directed by award winning director Tim Mackenzie-Smith). This empowering and thought-provoking documentary shows the band’s depth of influence across decades and features interviews with Mark Ronson, Laura Lee and Mark Speer (Khruangbin), DJ Maseo (De La Soul), Jazzie B (Soul II Soul), Cut Chemist, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Louie Vega, Kool DJ Red Alert, and so many others. Directed by Tim Mackenzie-Smith, the film debuted at SXSW in 2022 and has now traveled the world twice over.
As Total Film said in their review of the documentary ‘Tim Mackenzie-Smith’s joyous doc offers some Searching for Sugar Man-style reappraisal… The Cym-aissance starts here’.
Renascence Track list:
1. Chasing An Empty Dream
2. Road To Zion
3. Only One Way (Featuring Celeste)
4. Coltrane
5. Sweeden
6. How We Roll Featuring Jazzie B)
7. Heart Of The Willing
8. I Wanna Know
9. Darkest Night
10. Carry the Word
Cymande US Tour Dates:
FEB 13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
FEB 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
FEB 15 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre
FEB 18 – Chicago, IL – Metro
FEB 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
FEB 21 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
FEB 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
FEB 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
FEB 26 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall*
FEB 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
* w/ Noise Pop