The Lottery Winners have made their much-anticipated return with their fourth studio album, KOKO. Coming on the heels of Anxiety Replacement Therapy, which rocketed to number one in 2023, the album faces the challenge of living up to the band’s newfound heights. Their meteoric rise is the result of unwavering dedication from their devoted fanbase and their reputation as one of the UK’s most exhilarating and industrious bands. Since their humble beginnings playing local pubs in 2008, they’ve earned a place as one of the most exciting and dynamic forces in modern music, blending authenticity, energy, and an infectious spirit into everything they do.
Kicking off the album is the infectious ‘Superpower’ – an upbeat anthem that was released as a single towards the end of ADHD Awareness Month. Serving as a reflection of frontman Thom Rylance’s personal journey toward an ADHD diagnosis, the track shines a light on the often-overlooked strengths that come with the condition. ‘Superpower’ isn’t the only song on the album to explore mental health; three tracks in, we’re hit with ‘Panic Attack’, which pairs a funky, Nile Rodgers-inspired riff with an upbeat melody that starkly contrasts the darker themes of anxiety and panic attacks that Thom’s lyrics delve into. Slowing things down, ‘Struggling’ takes a more somber approach, focusing on the complexities of supporting someone through a difficult time, no matter how challenging it may be. The track’s lack of a traditional chorus puts the emphasis on Thom’s raw, emotive vocals, which continue to grow more compelling with every album.
Like Anxiety Replacement Therapy, the band have again called upon a talented group of musician friends to lend their unique flair to the album. First up is Jon McClure, who adds his signature vocals to ‘You Again’, which was the album’s playful lead single, that sees the Reverend & the Makers frontman share the spotlight with bassist and vocalist Katie Lloyd. Katie also takes the lead on ‘Ragdoll’, where she’s joined by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger on the chorus – his gravelly tone serving the perfect contrast to Katie’s smooth, breathy delivery, creating a dynamic interplay that enriches the song. Returning collaborator Frank Turner makes an appearance on the high-energy ‘Dirt & Gold’, where his unmistakable voice blends seamlessly with Thom’s to create an anthem that’s both rousing and anthemic. The final collaboration takes a completely different turn. Driven by an infectious bassline from Katie, the spoken word track features Rick Witter from Shed Seven’s smooth vocals on the chorus. A testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to their fanbase, the track offers a sense of belonging and comfort to those who may need it most.
Like many artists, The Lottery Winners have cultivated a distinctive sound that fans readily associate with them, but they’re never afraid to step outside of their comfort zone, often drawing inspiration from their industry friends. A perfect example of this is ‘Turn Around’ – a pop-infused track that feels like an indie take on the ‘Cha Cha Slide’, almost as if it were tailor-made for their Robbie Williams support slots this summer. ‘Monaco’ offers another departure from their usual style, with a chorus that harks back to early Cribs tracks, paired with more electronic instrumentation than fans are accustomed to.
If you’ve ever seen The Lottery Winners live, you’ll know just how electrifying their performances are, and while much of the album captures that same energy, there are some beautifully subdued tracks that promise to evoke equally powerful, emotive moments in future shows – particularly ‘UFO’ and ‘Three Wishes’. Piano-driven and profoundly personal, ‘UFO’ explores Thom’s feelings of being an outsider, with lyrics that have the power to resonate deeply with listeners. ‘Three Wishes’, an acoustic ballad, offers a rare, stripped-back glimpse of the band, showcasing the raw strength of both Thom and Katie’s vocals and how perfectly they harmonise together. The heartfelt track serves as a reminder that The Lottery Winners don’t need grand production to make an impact – sometimes, less truly is more.
As the title suggests, it’s only fitting that the album closes with ‘Keep On Keeping On. A feel-good anthem with a positive message, especially relevant in these uncertain times, the track brings the album full circle. With Thom, Katie, and lead guitarist Rob Lally each taking on a verse, it’s a perfect representation of the band’s unity and spirit. KOKO is a strong album that deserves all the love it will undoubtedly receive. It’s a testament to how much the band still has to offer, but more than that, it’s a celebration of four friends who are clearly having the time of their lives making music together.
KOKO is out now via Modern Sky
