Released:
Rating:
‘Ultralife’ is a fantastic pop record.
Label: Island Records
Released: 14th July 2017
Rating: ★★★★
‘Ultralife’ is really the first fully-realised release from London duo, Oh Wonder. Their self-titled, released back in 2015, was a collection of tracks that came together during their year-long conception, rather than a completely thought out process. This is where they finally get their voice, and in a coherently beautiful manner at that.
Each track on ‘Ultralife’ is built upon a cloud of analogue synth that gives a warmth to their poppy architecture. Oh Wonder bring it all to life with heartfelt lyrics that are filled with promise; “There’s so much soul inside my bones” from the title-track offers it all up on a silver platter. Josephine and Anthony’s vocals meld together perfectly, each complementing the other.
Across the album, there are moments that keep you hooked: from the smooth-jazz infused ‘Heavy’ to the swelling strings of penultimate track ‘My Friends’; each track is made to embrace you and give a reason to stay. Now that Oh Wonder have found their proper footing, there’s no holding them back. ‘Ultralife’ is a fantastic pop record. Steven Loftin
