We all want to start the New Year happy, so Oh Wonder’s new release would be the perfect place to start. The alternative pop duo of Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht have released some awesome tracks since their first EP in 2015.

Their story of how they got together seems to be one of mutual respect, both having been in the audience at the other’s solo shows and a meeting at one of Anthony’s provided the opportunity to talk music and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Happy, as you would imagine should take you on a journey of joy, and to an extent it does. The duo have given us a well produced and very slick recording based on a descending chord progression for the main hook and subtle changes for other parts of the song that gives a sense of uniqueness and depth. The use of synths to provide the flow works well to allow both singers to work in unison to deliver the lyrics. It isn’t common to hear a male and female vocal singing the main melody together without huge harmony breaks, which there are in some parts of Happy, but the simplicity of both voices following the same lines is really effective. It helps the clarity of the words come out and bounce over the slick production that seamlessly moves through the different segments. 

The theme of Happy is rare too. It talks about an ex that you see with someone new, how you can see what they’re doing and how it’s the same as when you were with them. Now normally this would be a dark song, but in this instance, it isn’t. You feel that this relationship has genuinely moved on and that they are happy that the other person is happy, but even more importantly, they are happy that they are okay with it and can get on with their own life. In essence these are complicated emotions to portray in a short 3 minute song, but Oh Wonder have done this effortlessly. 

You might be forgiven for thinking that hearing this song live would be artificial, as the duo would have to rely on a click track. But, spend some time looking on their website, or youtube and you can see real musical talent and creativity that allows Oh Wonder to flourish, not only has a smooth production outfit, but also as an exciting live act. 

 Pop     Alternative