I find myself on a train, witnessing the Welsh countryside pass me by as I head home. My soundtrack? A glistening acoustic folk album which reflects the setting and, at points, the thoughts entering my mind perfectly. The Ocelots’ Everything, When Said Slowly is remarkable in its divisive beauty, whether you find yourself focusing on the lyrics or instrumentation.
The band, made up of Irish twins Ashley and Brandon Watson, released their debut album Started to Wonder at the very start of lockdown in 2020. Their sophomore album however delivers a greater sound without moving away from the notations of classic and defined folk.
Telling tales of moving forward in life with continued reflection and sentiment, the album finds its strength within its poetic lyrics. Here, storytelling is conveyed through mixtures of anecdotes, metaphors and picking apart details of the typically mundane. Particular highlights come from songs “Joy Outside” and “The Good of a Bad Year,” which differ in their stance, with the former being perhaps a more optimistic affair of personal reflection whilst the latter explores moments of joy which break apart a solemn reality.
Soundscapes of tranquillity are declared blissfully through songs such as “Wild Dogs” “Landlords” and “Innocence of Love” as instrumentation becomes the key take away of these tracks. Perfect blends of open tunings and banjo licks amplify the beauty of the music.
More scenically upbeat declarations are produced within songs like “About You” and “Australia,” both declaring a more modern approach to the folk genre, whilst still confirming originality. Staples of modern folk – differing soft yet dreamlike chord progressions played simultaneously on both acoustic and electric guitars combine to almost mimic a line of vocal harmony.
Somehow, The Ocelots have managed to adhere to the typical notions of modern folk without making it a replica of others currently in the same sphere.
Within its 44 minutes, each song steers to direct sounds of easy listening or more complex instrumentation. Just as you attempt to predict what’s coming next, you’re met with twists in harmony, instrumentation and poetry, making the album continually interesting and fresh.
For fans of Fleet Foxes, Flyte, and the folk genre’s modern sound, this is definitely one to seek for your collection and The Ocelots should remain on your radar for years to come.
The Ocelots: Everything, When Said Slowly – 7th February 2025 (Independently Released)
