Featuring: Finn Foxell, Amie Blu, Venna, CMAT, YT, Little Simz, P-rallel & Nemzzz.
There's been some exquisite entries into the pages of music history in the last 7 days. Ever feel like you can't keep up with each chapter of that particular book? We hear you. Luckily, we have put together an expertly-curated list of highlights, so you can get on with your busy week, with the perfect soundtrack.
Below is Oculate UK's highlights of the last week's albums, EPs and singles, in no particular order. Check out our full highlights using the playlist at the bottom.
Finn Foxell - Easier
The blazing prince of UK indie-rock-rap is back with his latest single, 'Easier', this time greasing the wheels on his more melodic cadence in a short, sweet and introspective offering that provides just the right amount of bouncy, sunbathed instrumentation to get us ready for the warmer months. ‘Easier’ marks another step towards the West London native’s debut album MAMA’S BOY. Slated for release at the end of next month, MAMA’S BOY will see him host a mixer for his past and present sonic-self and with a hearty and faithful fanbase, Finn Foxell is catering for the listeners he’s picked up at every step of the way.
Little Simz - Free
If one taster ahead of her highly anticipated sixth album Lotus wasn’t enough, then it’s time to drop everything you’re doing as Mercury-prize winner Little Simz provides another glimpse of what’s to come on her latest single ‘Free’. Diving into the dualities of love and fear, Simz explores these ideas through a poem which she then moulded into the uplifting masterpiece we hear on ‘Free'.
Venna - Prophet
South London saxophonist and producer Venna calls for a collective meditation as he returns with his latest arresting and profound offering, ‘Prophet’. Marking his first release in two years, the track unfolds like a spiritual awakening, requiring no real words yet felt with magnitude and serving as a cornerstone for his forthcoming, transformative body of work. With a signature touch from Venna’s longtime collaborators, ‘Prophet’ hears Yussef Dayes, Marco Bernardis, AoD, Rocco Palladino and Alexander Bourt across every layer of instrumentation. While the release is also accompanied by a stunning visual from director Aymane Alhamid, which follows Venna as he journeys through vast, mountainous terrain, a mirror of the expansive soundscapes we’ve come to love from him.
Amie Blu - swimming in pity
Following an impressive few months which includes opening for Joy Crookes’ BRITs War Child show and a European tour with Jacob Banks, South London born Amie Blu arrives to 2025 with her first single of the year ‘swimming in pity’. While fans have gotten used to hearing the London songstress’ talent, Blu is expanding her horizons, delving into bigger and better things in 2025.
p-rallel - Can't Be Me
West-London's finest today arrives with a four-track, four-pack of heaters. It's banger after banger, but did we expect anything less? No, of course not. p-rallel is one of the most consistent vibe-bringers anywhere to be found, and this is just the latest example. With contributions from highly respected producer Dom Valentino (Skepta, Nia Smith, Greentea Peng etc etc etc - seriously check out this guys credits it's nuts), this was always guaranteed to land well. 'Can't Be Me' comes via p-rallel's own label, Nevermind Operated, and with recent news that they're hosting an event at The Cause on July 26th, it's shaping up to be one hell of a summer for p-rallel.
CMAT - Running/Planning
Ireland's finest CMAT has made her highly awaited return, following the 'Crazymad, For Me' era that cemented her status as one of the most exciting singer-songwriters around. Today is a 3-in-1, with CMAT dropping the single, announcing her third studio album EURO-COUNTRY, and announcing her tour of the same name. It's a good day to be a CMAT fan, so in other words, it's a good day here at Oculate HQ.
YT - OI!
This one feels particularly special. For long-time fans of one the UK underground's best exports, this feels like a crowning moment in his ascension to the forefront of the scene; something we've always felt was inevitable. YT has been allergic to missing for a while now, with 'Black & Tan' with Lancey Foux and 'Prada & Celine', being the most recent examples. Those are included in OI!, along with a ten new tracks sure to cement YT's status in the UK, as well as the US, where his fanbase has recently ballooned. No judgement if you see any Oculate team members intermittently shouting OI! in their day-to-day-life. Nice work, Tola.
Nemzzz - RENT'S DUE
Nemzzz is not playing games, and to be fair, he hasn't been for a while. One of the most consistently active in the scene, Nemzzz has delivered his latest project, RENT'S DUE. The man's beat selection is divine. This is full of shining samples and bouncy drill-esque drums, as the Manchester-rapper gives some of his finest verses to date throughout. Seriously, this is easily some of his best work. And, Central Cee wasn't messing about either, with him showcasing one of his best feature verses, ever. All the more reason to have a listen.
Check out all the above, and some other honourable mentions, in the playlist below:
List curated by Matt Sharp, Amalia Castle & Liam Tyler.
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