Review
With "Oh Wonder," Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West really flipped the typical album release right on its head. Instead of hiding away for months and then surprising everyone with a mysterious drop, they gifted listeners with a new song every month, rolling out their dreamy indie alt-pop universe one track at a time through SoundCloud. By the end of the journey, they had crafted fifteen songs—thirteen singles pieced together like pages of a diary, along with two special additions, "Without You" and "Plans." You can practically picture them tinkering away in their cozy South-East London home studio, letting lightning strike month after month.
The beauty of this album lies in its cozy, lived-in feeling: it feels like you’re being let in on secret conversations about love, with hooks as bright as their melodies. Tracks like "Livewire" bounce with energy, "Body Gold" has this shimmery groove, and "Midnight Moon" sneaks in with gentle pop flair, while the lyrics dance between genuine emotion and playful storytelling. Despite its independent roots, "Oh Wonder" found its way into the hearts (and playlists) of millions, earning shout-outs from across the globe and snagging gold and platinum certifications in all sorts of corners. This debut is the sound of two people doing things their own wonderful way, letting sincerity outshine spectacle—no wonder these songs continue to feel just as fresh years down the line. - Ashleigh
