U.K. MIDWEEKS: VIOLA BEACH TAKE THE LEAD

The self-titled debut album from late British band Viola Beach has continued its first-day sales surge and looks headed for #1 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart on Friday, sitting 6k combined sales ahead of ELO at midway stage.

Viola Beach, released via the band’s Fuller Beans Records by their family and friends as a tribute, is ahead of last week’s #1 and today’s #2; ELO's All Over The World - The Very Best Of (Epic).

Elsewhere, Christine and The Queens moves down a place to #3 with Chaleur Humaine (Because), DJ Khaled’s Major Key (Black Butter) is at #4 and Drake’s Views (Island) is down to #5.

Also making an impact in the top 10 is Billy Talent with sixth studio album Afraid of Heights (Atlantic) at #8 and the highly praised debut from promising young RCA act NAO, For All We Know, at #9.

Over on the Official Singles Chart, Major Lazer’s “Cold Water” (Because) is still holding onto its Friday #1. Nearest challenger is Calum Scott with “Dancing On My Own” (Virgin EMI), moving up a place to #2 at the halfway point.

Jonas Blue and JP Cooper's “Perfect Strangers” (Virgin EMI) is down one place to #3, The Chainsmokers’ “Don't Let Me Down” (RCA) stays at #4, and Drake’s “One Dance” (Island) is another non-mover at #5.