ZOOEY – The Drifters

While it didn’t make the shortlist for the Oxford English Dictionary’s word of the year, “self-care” had to be a contender – after all, it and “woke”, which did make the cut, are sides of the same coin. Staying vigilant against injustice demands strong composure, and music like London-based duo ZOOEY's cosy electropop works wonders for keeping psyches in check during shaky times.

This debut effort from Marie Merlet and Matthieu Beck is like a long bath with a mug of herbal brew, a soothing and rejuvenating record that sounds a bit like Happy Meals in a woolly jumper while extolling the virtues of some quality solo time (Time to Get Alone) and a good night’s sleep (One Last Drink). The pair’s lullaby vocals and chirpy keyboard presets project a naive playfulness that belies understated and mature arrangements.

Realise Realise is a regrettably anonymous introduction that’s quickly forgotten in the wake of stronger tracks like trippy instrumental Jóia, breathy romantic swooner Oh Stop! and an inspired cover of Smog’s Let’s Move to the Country that brings a daydream optimism to the original while maintaining its essential ambivalence. Try giving this a spin next time you need a breather.

Listen to: Recommend Time to Get Alone, Joìa, Oh Stop