KOKO (Keep On Keeping On) isn’t merely an album title for Lottery Winners; it’s a manifesto. In a time full of anxiety and uncertainty, the band, fronted by the candidly vulnerable Thom Rylance, delivers a powerful soundtrack to resilience—blending personal struggle with a bold, unshakable optimism. Rylance’s raw honesty about his struggles with ADHD and anxiety becomes the emotional foundation of the album, turning personal battles into universal anthems of perseverance.
In the album opener, Rylance defines his “Superpower” as the bold act of moving forward in spite of fear—a mindset that echoes throughout nearly every track. But rather than relying on cliché feel-good messages, this mantra is delivered with a raw honesty that truly resonates.
“Panic Attack” showcases the album’s sonic brilliance, transforming what could have been a suffocating track into a vibrant, almost euphoric soundscape. It captures the chaos of anxiety while offering a musical lifeline, with lyrics that navigate the maze of a panic attack and music that bursts with energy. This masterful blend of turmoil and uplifting melody creates a profoundly cathartic experience for the listener.
In line with that, the album’s love for “party pleasers” doesn’t take away from its depth; in fact, it celebrates it. Tracks like “Turn Around,” hitching a ride on the sorely missed, infectious Black Lace template, operate on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a fun, crowd-friendly track, but those ‘Superman’ vibes tie back to the album’s core theme of empowerment, much like the aforementioned “Superpower” opening anthem. The line, “If a chemical imbalance in my mind makes me creative and kind, that’s fine,” boldly advocates for self-acceptance, turning what could be seen as flaws into sources of strength.
That said, KOKO isn’t just about big, crowd-pleasing anthems. The album also shows a more introspective, tender side of The Lottery Winners. Take “U.F.O.,” for example—a calm, deeply personal track about finding sanctuary. Rylance reimagines his bedroom as a UFO, a creative space where he can escape the everyday and dive into his art. Tracks like “Struggling” and “Keep On Keeping On” also slow things down, offering quiet moments of reflection. Even though they’re more mellow, they still hold onto the album’s uplifting vibe, with beats that inspire and the persistent “keep on keeping on” mantra offering a gentle, reassuring push. These softer tracks balance out the album’s more energetic ones, showcasing the band’s ability to handle a range of emotions with real sensitivity.
Plus, the sound of KOKO shines even brighter thanks to the vocals of bassist Katie Lloyd. Her voice strikes this perfect balance between delicate and powerful, and it blends so well with Rylance’s unique delivery—whether she’s taking the lead or adding depth to the choruses. Her presence adds a beautiful layer to the album, highlighting the band’s tight teamwork and vocal range
KOKO highlights Lottery Winners’ knack for collaboration. The tracks with Frank Turner on “Dirt and Gold” and Jon McClure from Reverend and The Makers on “You Again,” plus new songs like “Ragdoll” with Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and “The Ceiling” with Shed Seven, aren’t just guest features—they’re full-on artistic partnerships. Each collab blends the band’s core sound with the unique styles of their collaborators. It’s not just about adding vocals to an existing track; it’s a real fusion of musical identities. The result? Tracks that feel at home on KOKO yet seamlessly fit into the collaborating artists’ catalogues.
In KOKO, Lottery Winners have crafted an album that transcends the typical pop-rock fare. It’s a work that engages with complex emotional landscapes, offering not only solace but also a sense of communal strength. What sets the album apart is its clever craftsmanship—it’s able to put the often hard-to-explain experience of mental health struggles into music that’s both cathartic and uplifting. Ultimately, KOKO offers a much-needed reminder: no matter what life throws at us, we can always find a way to ‘Keep On Keeping On.’
Our verdict? Five out of five daisies:
