Oh Wonder, Ultralife – review: 'Low-key duo let pure quality do the talking'

Andre Paine14 July 2017

Songwriting, not stardom, was the only ambition for Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West.

But their music gathered online momentum and, almost by accident, they became a successful duo rather than hit-makers for hire.

Self-produced at their home studio in Brockley, Oh Wonder’s second album is bigger and bolder than their first, though it never strives too hard for pop perfection.

The intertwining vocals are as lovely as ever on the gorgeous grooves of Heart Strings, Heavy and Lifetimes.

Although they consistently deliver uplifting melodies, lyrically the mood is sweetly introspective.

Solo is a dreamy tune about getting away from it all, while High on Humans takes its unlikely inspiration from daring to talk to strangers on the Tube.

The duo’s unshowy style allows these songs to shine — you wouldn’t want anyone singing them on their behalf.

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