The partnership between Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West is a fruitful one. The duo behind Oh Wonder exhibit a natural chemistry that allows their songs to be understated yet complete. Although this is Oh Wonder’s second album, it’s their first to be conceived from the beginning as a full-budget studio project. The result is an album that exhibits a significant level of polish and ornamentation while managing to avoid an over-produced sound.
The tone is low-key and leans towards the chill-out end of the spectrum. Even though certain songs like ‘High On Humans’ flirt with a higher energy level, Ultralife routinely maintains a lounge spirit in alt-pop clothes, giving it the, er, feel of a make-out soundtrack.
The key tracks will vary depending on what you’re looking for. ‘Ultralife’, ‘High On Humans’ and ‘Heart Strings’ are immediately likeable and possess the ear-worm quality of true chart hits. Those who give the album multiple listens will find another dimension, though, where reflective tracks like ‘Slip Away’, ‘My Friends’ and sombre closer ‘Waste’ reveal the slightest echoes of Sigur Ros.
This album will not punch you in the face, but Oh Wonder’s songwriting process will play with your hair, caress your hand, and leave you smiling.