“Choke Enough” (all songs stylized in all lowercase) is French singer, producer, and DJ Oklou’s debut studio album, and it’s a methodical synth-pop masterclass.
The album is one to sit with, embracing each song in its entirety with an open mind and accepting the emotions that ebb and flow. The use of instruments you wouldn’t normally see in a synth-pop album like a flute, make this album stand out from the rest, giving her a unique sound.
Released Feb. 7, 2025, “choke enough” is an album about the meaning of life and the discovery of that meaning. The production of this album was a cooperative work between Oklou and Casey MQ, along with help from Danny L. Harle and A.G. Cook.
Casey MQ is a Canadian producer who has worked with Oklou in the past, so they have a very good chemistry. Danny L. Harle is one of my personal favorite producers, and he has worked on a ton of incredible projects, earning a Grammy nomination and working behind the scenes on albums for big artists like Dua Lipa and smaller names like Yeule.
I’m sure many people have heard of Cook by now due to his massive contributions to “Brat” and his work with Lady Gaga, he is a well-versed creative with a love for experimentation, and he is not afraid to be outside of the box.
The collection of influences on this album really shine through. As Harle’s and Cook’s sounds collide with Oklou’s and Casey MQ’s, it’s a mix of ideas that conflict and contrast, all backed by the same integral somberness that makes you think about the context of the sound.
Despite the ethereal and delicate sounds that fill the space, the rhythms are still fun and engaging, leaving a sense of wonder about what comes next. Oklou’s voice compliments this sound perfectly, making the songs float and feel airy.
Her voice is undoubtedly the star of the show, reminiscent of Grimes’ almost bafflingly high pitch. This is highlighted especially on songs like “thank you for recording” and “plague dogs,” where her voice feels a part of the beat, not layered over it.
There are a few weaker tracks, like “ict” and “endless,” songs without traditional melodies which break up the typical ambience of the standout tracks in the album. “Forces,” for example, features the voice of a man over nature sounds and a bird squawking.
The features on this album from Swedish rapper Bladee and hyperpop pioneer Underscores are some of the strongest parts throughout, because both of their influences interact perfectly with Oklou’s.
Bladee has always been a trailblazer for ethereal music, especially back in his early career, and it’s nice to see him being able to step back from the darker tones that he explored recently on his album “Cold Visions.” Though “take me by the hand” is still a somber plea for guidance out of loneliness, it is one that is open minded and shows he is looking for help — something that “Cold Visions” mocks outright.
Underscores, on the other hand, has pushed her own sound to its limit on “harvest sky,” really embracing the style she developed throughout her years and experimented with on the bonus tracks for her album “Wallsocket (directors cut),” particularly “Stupid (can’t run from the urge).”
The transition into her verse on “harvest sky” seems to fall flat but is immediately made up for by the rest of the exceptional song. There are also two remixes of this song: one by Underscores herself, and another by Harle.
For her solo songs, Oklou’s best work is on “blade bird” and “choke enough,” with an honorable mention to “friends and family.”
“Blade bird” is a perfect closer for this album, showcasing all of the aspects that make Oklou a phenomenal listen at their full potential. Her voice is nothing but exceptional on this track, with the calm drums backed up by a nice guitar riff before the post-production takes you away from the moment with reverb, then forcing you back into the moment in the perfect way.
“Choke enough” is more of an experience than anything else, definitely leaning deeper into the production than her vocals yet climaxing with a monumental display of her prowess in songwriting.
This album plays with its identity a little bit by using different instruments that you wouldn’t think to be in a synth-pop album, but that’s what makes “choke enough” stand out as an extraordinary work of art. It’s not bound by rules, and it’s not trying to be something — it just is.
Oklou has released a beautiful collection of sounds that I think most people would enjoy.
Everyone experiences sad points in their life, yet there is something so special about that moment of optimism before being filled with joy again.
This album is 36 minutes of that feeling.
