JULY 27th 2025

CYMANDE

Review by Erin Mussolum
Photos by Peter Ruttan
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/cymande/

On a warm summer night in Vancouver, the Commodore Ballroom played host to a rare and soul-stirring performance by the legendary British funk ensemble Cymande. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it was a night that celebrated not just music, but movement, memory, and unity.

Cymande—formed in the early 1970s by Caribbean-born musicians in South London—has long been revered for their seamless blend of funk, soul, reggae, and jazz. Though never achieving massive mainstream success in their heyday, their records have become crate-digger gold and hip-hop sample goldmines. So when they took the stage at the Commodore, the energy in the room was both reverent and simply electric.

From the moment they launched into “Sweden,” the groove was undeniable. The basslines rolled deep and warm, the percussion hypnotic, and the horns—rich, radiant, and perfectly timed—cut through the venue like sunshine breaking clouds. The crowd, mostly in there 50's, immediately responded. Heads nodded, bodies swayed, and strangers shared smiles in rhythm and in dance.

Tracks like “Dove” and “Bra” from their first LP showcased the band’s unmatched ability to craft atmospheric, almost meditative funk to our ears. Each song was stretched and reshaped in the live setting, with extended solos and call-and-response interplay that invited the audience into the performance rather than just observing it. Frontman Steve Scipio, lead the way with understated but magnetic, provided soft-spoken introductions that often touched on themes of peace and resilience, echoing the band’s foundational ethos.

The acoustics of the Commodore, always one of Vancouver’s most famous venues, gave Cymande’s layered sound the space it deserved. The floor’s iconic sprung dance floor had the entire room in subtle motion—a communal pulse carried on bass and belief. It wasn’t a flashy show; there were no gimmicks, just seasoned musicians at the top of their game doing what they do best.

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the night came during “The Message.” As the slow groove unfurled and Scipio gently sang, “Our message is music,” the crowd fell into a collective hush—an affirmation of why people still come out, still dance, still listen.

Cymande’s concert wasn’t just a nostalgia trip; it was a powerful reminder that music with heart, rhythm, and purpose never goes out of style. Their Vancouver stop was more than a performance—it was a spiritual recalibration. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next one.