British funk legends Cymande are gearing up to release their highly anticipated new studio album, Renascence, and today shared the record’s second single, “Only One Way” featuring acclaimed British singer/songwriter Celeste.

Unlike last month’s lead single, “Chasing An Empty Dream”, which showcased Cymande’s socially conscious lyricism and penchant for creating hypnotic grooves, “Only One Way” highlights the band’s softer side with gentle piano and grandiose strings—though it’s Celeste’s breathtaking vocals that make the track an instant classic.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Cymande founding member Patrick Patterson said, “We got together in New York some time ago. Celeste approached it melodically and lyrically from a perspective we thought was great, we came back to the U.K. and perfected it. Her performance is wonderful. It deserved an orchestral arrangement and we had an arranger, Chris Cameron, who could elevate it up to the firmament. He did a brilliant arrangement.”

“It was a blustery New York day, I had just performed at Carnegie Hall, and was asked if I’d like to meet Cymande at a studio close by to Broadway,” Celeste recounted. “I immediately put my hat and coat on and made my way to meet Patrick and Steve at the studio. We spoke for a little while about all being Caribbean and then Patrick began to play the guitar, the words and the melody came so naturally and we cut a vocal that day. We then met some months later to refine it all, in one of the first studios I’d been too many years before on Latimer Road, I think still partly owned by Damon Albarn, but now part of the Miloco studios. That’s when I met Adrian Reid, who made me feel so at ease and kindly offered me some piano lessons in the following months. It all felt a healing and enlightening experience to be around the guys, to hear their stories, see their faces and understand who they were and who they are now. Cymande had remained this great mystery to me, as I am sure they did to many others for a long period of time—these legends of this mystical cross genre—and to hear their account of their journey in music first hand, was affirming and assuring.”

Listen to “Only One Way” below or stream the song on your preferred platform. The track is set to appear on Renascence, which is slated for release on January 31st, 2025 via BMG. The album marks a major milestone for Cymande, picking up right where the band left off with 1974’s Promised Heights.

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 promises a spiritual sequel that blends its classic sound with a modern flair, all while maintaining the socially conscious and uplifting ethos that has defined its career. The album will be available to stream and download, 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. View the album tracklist below.

Tonight, November 21st, Cymande will be honored with the ‘Originator Award’ at the prestigious Artist & Manager Awards, which celebrates exceptional individuals who pioneer and forge new pathways in the music industry. The band is also gearing up for a run of shows in the U.S. and U.K. in February. Fans of funk will not want to miss out on this historic tour. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates.

Earlier this year, Cymande celebrated the release of the documentary Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande, by award-winning director Tim Mackenzie-Smith. The band also recently made its U.K. TV debut on Later… With Jools Holland with a performance of “Chasing An Empty Dream” and “Bra”. Watch the appearance below.

Cymande – “Only One Way”

Cymande – “Chasing An Empty Dream” Live On Later… With Jools Holland

Cymande – “Bra” Live On Later… With Jools Holland

Renascence Tracklist:

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 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