One to watch: Oklou
While Oklou's catalogue stretches back to 2014, she's only now capturing wider attention for her debut full-length record, Choke Enough, released last month. The album (produced by Oklou, with Casey MQ, Cook and Danny L Harle), received critical praise for its vivid portrayal of party-going through heavy basslines and whimsical arpeggios – think PC Music (Cook's label) meets Enya. Standout moments include the twinkling trumpets of Ict, rapper Bladee's soft vocals on hyperpop tune Take Me By the Hand, and the club-ready climax of Harvest Sky. Inspired by French summer bonfire celebrations, this last track balances thumping trance with shimmering vocals and the image of watching a party from a distance ('In the night, slow dance for a harvest sky/ But I won't, no way, afar, I stay, and watch'). It's a perfect summation of Oklou's production style: tentative yet seeking thrills – a country girl making it in the big city.
Choke Enough is out now via True Panther/Because. Oklou tours the UK and Ireland at the end of the year
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