British funk legends Cymande are back with a brand new studio album, Renascence, slated for release on January 31st, 2025 via BMG. Alongside the news of its long-awaited return, the band has dropped a groove-heavy new single, “Chasing An Empty Dream”, and announced a U.S. tour with shows in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more in February 2025.
With its pioneering fusion of funk, soul, reggae, and African rhythms, Cymande played an important role in shaping the sounds of early hip-hop and funk in both the U.K. and the U.S. The band started working together again in 2014 after a 40-year hiatus, and with Renascence, the group picks up right where it left off with 1974’s Promised Heights, offering a spiritual sequel that blends the group’s classic sound with modern flair, all while maintaining the socially conscious and uplifting ethos that has defined Cymande’s career.
The album’s first single, “Chasing An Empty Dream”, serves as a perfect reintroduction to the band’s signature style. A hypnotic bassline anchors the track, while layers of percussion, horns, and globally inspired rhythms transport listeners back to the golden era of Cymande. As always, the song carries a deeper message, with bassist Steve Scipio reflecting on the materialism of contemporary society, while still offering a glimmer of hope.
“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,” Scipio shared. “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.”
Produced by Ben Baptie, Renascence sees founding members Patrick Patterson (guitars, vocals) and Steve Scipio (bass, vocals) leading a formidable lineup of longtime collaborators including keyboardist Adrian Reid, drummer Richard Bailey, saxophonist Denys Baptiste, and more, with contributions from Celeste and Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) on select tracks. Together, they deliver a record that feels both like a continuation of Cymande’s legacy and a bold new chapter for the seminal ensemble.
The release of Renascence comes on the heels of the critically acclaimed documentary Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande, which has brought the band’s under-appreciated legacy to light for a new generation of listeners. Directed by Tim Mackenzie-Smith, the film features interviews with contemporary artists like Mark Ronson, Laura Lee (Khruangbin), DJ Maseo (De La Soul), and Jazzie B, who all speak to Cymande’s profound influence on their music. After decades of being sampled by hip-hop legends and revered by crate diggers, Cymande is stepping back into the spotlight.
Following the album’s release, Cymande will embark a U.S. tour beginning February 13th at New York’s Irving Plaza, with stops major cities across the country, including a performance at San Francisco’s August Hall as part of the Noise Pop Festival. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 18th, and are expected to go quickly. Presales are currently underway. Scroll down to view a full list of tour dates, and visit the band’s website for ticketing details.
Listen to Cymande’s new single, “Chasing An Empty Dream”, below or on your preferred streaming platform, and click here to pre-save Renascence. View the full album tracklist below.
Cymande – “Chasing An Empty Dream”
Renascence Track list:
Chasing An Empty Dream
Road To Zion
Only One Way (Featuring Celeste)
Coltrane
Sweeden
How We Roll (Featuring Jazzie B)
Heart Of The Willing
I Wanna Know
Darkest Night
Carry the Word
Cymande U.S. 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
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