Cymande – Second Time Round

Cymande – Second Time Round returns to vinyl in this Partisan Records black-vinyl repress of the group’s acclaimed 1974 album. Following the impact of their self-titled debut, Cymande refined their unmistakable blend of funk, soul, jazz, Caribbean rhythm and progressive groove on a record that remains central to their enduring reputation.

Second Time Round captures the band at a vital point in their story. The album helped return Cymande to the US charts and accompanied a period in which they became the first British band to headline Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater. That achievement underlines the reach of a group whose music travelled far beyond the UK and found an audience across soul, funk and jazz communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The record includes fan favourites such as “Crawshay”, “FUG” and “Genevieve”, alongside the expansive opener “Anthracite” and the beautifully paced “Bird”. Across ten tracks, deep bass lines, fluid percussion, brass, guitar and layered vocal arrangements create the warm, organic sound that made Cymande so distinctive. Their ability to combine dance-floor drive with adventurous musicianship helped make the album a lasting source of inspiration.

Cymande’s catalogue has subsequently been sampled and celebrated throughout hip-hop, electronic music, rock and contemporary soul, introducing new generations to the band’s unique approach. The renewed attention surrounding the group’s story, including the 2025 documentary exploring their legacy, has only reinforced the importance of Second Time Round.

This black-vinyl edition offers a welcome opportunity to add one of the key British soul and funk albums of the 1970s to your collection. Essential for long-time Cymande listeners, sample enthusiasts and anyone exploring the foundations of groove-driven UK music.