Today, legendary British band Cymande releases their new single, “How We Roll,” featuring British DJ and music producer Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) – listen here. This is the third single from their highly anticipated new album, Renascence, which is set for release on January 31, 2025, via BMG. Pre-order here.
“How We Roll” has all the ingredients that make Cymande’s music so unique: an expansive, spacious, groove-filled intro, impeccable bass lines, global rhythms that echo behind guitar trills, and shimmering chimes. And that’s just the foyer to the portal of “How We Roll,” a poignant message about issues that affect Black [capitalizing Black to follow current style standards] people and about taking control of one’s own destiny—all expressed over a building beat, tight [removed extra space] horns, melodic solos, and a true collective spirit. DJ/producer Jazzie B’s reflective rap weaves in naturally, highlighting the intergenerational legacy of Cymande.
Original member and guitarist Patrick Patterson says, “The idea of the rap originated with me. Ray [the vocalist] worked a lot with Jazzie B in Soul II Soul, so he got in touch with Jazzie and asked him if he’d like to consider collaborating. Lovely man. Big fan of Cymande, and he’s also in the documentary. The track talks about us and our brethren, our people, our community...”
“…it talks about taking control of your own destiny,” continues bassist Steve Scipio. “One of the lines in the song is ‘we control the page.’ It’s a song harking back to the old Cymande—a strong vocalization of the issues that affect Black people. It’s my favorite bass line on the album.”
Cymande’s new album, Renascence, set for release on January 31, 2025, is a true return to form and a 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 that brings a fresh modern edge to their signature sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in both the United States and the UK. Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got its due “back in the day” but is now returning to take the crown by remaining true to itself—politically aware, spiritually positive, and always delivering infectious grooves.
Last month, Cymande was honored with the “Originator Award” at the Artist & Manager Awards, which celebrates exceptional individuals who pioneer and forge new pathways in the music industry. Both 2024 and 2025 continue to mark a monumental time for Cymande, following the earlier release of their incredible documentary Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande (directed by award-winning director Tim Mackenzie-Smith). The band also recently made their UK TV debut on Later… with Jools Holland, performing their new single “Chasing an Empty Dream” and their classic song “Bra.” Catch up on BBC Two’s Later… with Jools Holland here.
Now, with the release of their anticipated new album Renascence, Cymande will embark on a U.S. headline tour, hitting major markets such as New York and Los Angeles in February 2025—full dates and info below.
Renascence will be available to stream or download, and on CD and black vinyl at all major retailers. A limited-edition transparent coral vinyl edition will be available on the band’s official online store and at select indie retail accounts.
Renascence Track List
Chasing an Empty Dream
Road to Zion
Only One Way (featuring Celeste)
Coltrane
Sweeden [assuming this spelling is intentional for the track title]
How We Roll (featuring Jazzie B)
Heart of the Willing
I Wanna Know
Darkest Night
Carry the Word
CYMANDE 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
MAY 25 – London, UK – Cross the Tracks Festival
OCT 17 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton
