Oh Wonder performs at the El Rey Theatre
After releasing one song per month for a year on SoundCloud, London-based synth-pop duo Oh Wonder is finding that fame is coming far more quickly than anticipated. In the midst of their first American tour, the duo made up of Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht headlined the first of two shows at El Rey Theatre Wednesday night. The show was a nearly sold-out performance.
The pair began issuing one track each month for a year on SoundCloud, then compiled their songs for an album that was released in September 2015. Their aim was “to challenge ourselves as songwriters.” Their singles have garnered more than 100 million streams across SoundCloud and Spotify, including being featured in the Spotify Viral 50 top 10 in the U.S., U.K. and Global charts. Their sold-out show emphasizes the idea they’re a rising act to keep an eye on.
The L.A. native band GEMS opened up the show with their down-tempo electro-pop sound, performing six songs to the full crowd. Their aesthetic is similar to that of acts such as The Naked and Famous and ASTR. Five of the songs the band performed came off their debut album Kill the One You Love, with the other being “Medusa” from their EP. After GEMS finished their performance, Oh Wonder drenched the crowd in the poppy beat of “Livewire,” a song that enhanced Vander Gucht’s vocals. The duo played nearly every track from their self-titled debut album.
The signature sound of these classically trained instrumentalists, who also write, produce and mix their own tracks, is crystal clear. The male-female vocals are always upfront in the mix, as they sign over sparse beats and spacious settings. Oh Wonder’s songs are slow jams, similar to the electronic ballads born out and started by musicians such as The xx and James Blake. Each tune builds nicely; it’s not only the songwriting, but also the arrangement and dynamics of production. In the song “Dazzle,” for instance, West’s vocals provoked a notorious reaction from crowd, which was largely female (many of whom were with their significant others). The couples serenading each other during “Landslide,” was also refreshing. “I’ll be there for you, I’ll be there for you,” they chanted.
The duo performed as a big “OW” light shined brightly behind them, changing colors throughout the set. West and Vander Gucht claimed they were extremely grateful, talking about their excitement about performing on Conan Thursday night.
As the show came to a close, Oh Wonder saved their most popular song for last, “Technicolor Beat.” It seemed no one wanted it to end; in fact, West apologized to the disappointed crowd for not writing a longer album.
Oh Wonder will head to San Francisco Friday, after their two-night main stay at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. their two-night mainstay at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.