BeatCaffeine’s Weekly Record Rundown 07.23.25
For this edition of BeatCaffeine’s Weekly Record Rundown, we dive into the new incredible genre-defying album from London’s Kokoroko, two brilliant EPs from Buenos Aires-based DFRA Experience Jazz Band and Brazilian pianist Michel Cury (released on Colin Curtis Presents), and the most recent full-length from Leeds-based Ethio-jazz inspired quartet, The Sorcerers.
Kokoroko — ‘Tuff Times Never Last’
(Brownswood Recordings)
Since their debut in 2019, London’s Kokoroko has been one of the most notable and accomplished groups among the UK scene. Led by Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth, the group returns with their highly anticipated new album for Gilles Peterson’s Browswood label, titled Tuff Times Never Last. With everything that’s going on in the world, the timing of this release couldn’t be more needed, as this 11-song suite explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss and above all perseverance. Musically the group continues to expand on their sound, blending together jazz, highlife and West African grooves, lovers rock, and British R&B and funk from the 80s. Highly recommended!
DFRA Experience Jazz Band — ‘The Human Discard’
(MATE)
Following a number of incredible releases over the last couple of years, the Buenos Aires-based DFRA, aka Diego Ruiz is quickly making a name for himself as both a producer and bandleader. Here he returns with his DFRA Experience Jazz Band, following up last year’s breakthrough Jazz In, with another great EP for the Madrid label MATE, titled The Human Discard. The record features three original tracks, two from the Experience Jazz Band, a solo DFRA cut (“Inside The Club”), and a remix by Spanish producer and DJ Dubbyman of the title song “The Human Discard”. The music brilliantly fuses soulful jazz instrumentation and deep house grooves that should have cross appeal across both audiences with a strong nod to the dancefloor, regardless of venue or setting.
Michel Cury — ‘Brain Sync EP’
(Colin Curtis Presents)
Legendary jazz dance and Northern Soul DJ Colin Curtis’ is back with another superb release off his imprint label, featuring 34-year-old Brazilian pianist Michel Cury. This incredible six-track album captures the spirit of 70s era jazz fusion while still pushing the sound forward, incorporating jazz, samba, rock and world influences and includes a number of legendary special guests like Flora Purim, Airto Moreira and Bob Mintzer. Limited to just 250 copies, the record was recorded using vintage instruments and mastered on analog tape to help give it a warm-toned nostalgic feel. Definitely one of the best releases of 2025!
The Sorcerers — ‘Other Worlds And Habitats’
(ATA Records)
Leeds-based quartet The Sorcerers return with their much anticipated fourth album for ATA Records, titled Other Worlds And Habitats. Continuing to expand on their signature sound, the group has created a unique fusion of Ethio-jazz with funky psyched-out analog grooves and cosmic tones inspired by legendary pioneers like Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia and Nigerian musician William Onyeabor. This superb recording features the core Sorcerers trio of bassist Neil Innes, drummer Joost Hendrickx and reed/flute/vibes player Richard Ormrod, along with newcomer Johnny Richards on keys. As the group continues evolve, with Other Worlds, they have arguably released their best full-length to date.
