Oculate UK: This Week In Music

Matt Sharp
2 hours ago
3 min read

Bad news for Barry. I'd hate to not be able to swim in this weather - it's effing boiling! Fortunately for him, he has dropped an exquisite new album. Hopefully that can act as a refreshing respite from the uncharacteristic English climate. I guess maybe he can have a paddle? So long as he doesn't mind getting a... Wet Leg - who it just so happens have also dropped a new album! (horrendous, I know)

Okay, that's enough from me. Aside from to say, there's been a cacophony of gorgeous new music in the past week - and we've wrapped it all up with a bow for you!

Listen to everything in our This Week In Music Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page.

Welcome to This Week In Music!

KOKOROKO - Tuff Times Never Last

KOKOROKO are back doing exactly what they do best - transcending us beyond the confines of our dull and dreary UK homes to our own sun-soaked memories - as they return this week with their third album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’. If you’re anything like this writer, and (unfortunately) chronically online, the title may have mustered the image of an iconic vine circa 2012. But this eleven-track offering is not to be confused with any online silliness, as ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is nothing short of sonically profound, fiercely joyous and deeply nostalgic. Each track layers into the next as if the band were jamming for hours on end to create the album in one sitting. We’re obsessed and this writer recommends that you get out into the sun and slap this one on!

Barry Can't Swim - Loner

With a full review inbound, I'll keep this brief. Barry Can't Swim creates beautiful soundscapes on Loner through his textured and layered production. This will be on repeat at Oculate UK all summer!

Skepta - Friendly Fire

We have so much to say about this that we couldn't squeeze it into the confines of this round-up. Read our full thoughts here.

Wet Leg - moisturizer

Isle of Wight five-piece Wet Leg are back in full, with their second album moisturizer, a gut-punching success. It feels sharp, heavy and expertly curated for live performance. They are bold and uninhibited in the best possible way. Here they add another gem of a project to the cannon of alternative rock.

Olivia Dean - Lady Lady

The people’s princess, Olivia Dean, is once again wooing us with her divinity in her newest single ‘Lady Lady’. We are LEVITATING with this one. A touching ode to womanhood and vulnerability, Olivia’s musings will instantly connect with female listeners, including this writer, as she explores revolving streams of consciousness on femininity, confidence and self-love, that we’re all too familiar with as women. On the single she tells, “This song reminds me of the power we hold as women – I think it feels like peace.” ‘Lady Lady’ is a reminder that Miss Dean is truly the treat that keeps on treating and that being a woman is f*cking beautiful.

The Favours (FINNEAS & Ashe) - The Hudson

This writer was lucky enough to see The Favours, a new band made up of FINNEAS and Ashe, performing a few songs from their upcoming album in an intimate acoustic set the other day. When I tell you it was special... a ray of light actually shone through the otherwise covered windows lighting up FINNEAS' face as he beautifully harmonised with counterpart Ashe. Everything was divine. Blowing us all away from start to finish, out-today single The Hudson was a particular highlight of the evening. Look out for the full album, The Dream, arriving 19th October.

Kojey Radical - Conversation

Kojey Radical brings the Conversation! The UK Rap extraordinaire continues to build up to his second album. It feels like it's going to be a pretty significant event when it lands, particularly if Conversation is anything to go by. Skippy drums with that Kojey flow dancing in between? We want more!

Leah Cleaver - Last Time

We love a debut single. We love a Micah Richards-esque burst onto the scene! The talent of Leah Cleaver has been formally shown for the first time with Last Time, her inaugural single. Smooth vocals dissect romance, before an edgier, more alternative-section is embarked on. An incredibly accomplished debut release. We'll be keeping tabs on Leah Cleaver!