The Ocelots

If you are looking for something low-key to do on a Sunday evening, The Ocelots are playing at The Folklore Rooms on May 17, 2026. The duo, made up of twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson, will be performing their alternative folk set starting at 19:30. It is the kind of show that fits well in a venue like The Folklore Rooms, which tends to host more intimate, stripped-back performances.

The brothers originally come from Wexford, Ireland, though they are currently based in Leipzig, Germany. Their musical background is quite varied; they started out playing blues and rock in school before shifting their focus toward the folk sound they are known for now. If you are familiar with artists like Simon & Garfunkel or Bob Dylan, you might recognise some of those influences in their approach to songwriting. After they finished school, they spent a significant amount of time travelling around Europe, playing shows and busking, which helped shape their early career. Their first EP, Till We Get There, was released in 2017, followed by their debut album Started to Wonder in 2020 and a more recent EP titled Addlepated in 2022.

Their sound is built around vocal harmonies and storytelling, drawing from a range of influences including Paul Simon, Midlake, Fionn Regan, and The Shins. It is a straightforward setup—just the two of them—which usually makes for a different atmosphere compared to larger, louder gigs. Whether you have followed their music since their earlier releases or are just looking for a quiet night out in Brighton, this concert offers a chance to see them perform in a small setting.