By Brad Dress

The rising R&B pop duo Oh Wonder will perform at the 9:30 club Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 following the release of their latest album “Ultralife” in June.

Oh Wonder’s drowsy vocals, classical instrumentals and often upbeat pop synthetics combine into an eclectic mix of R&B and pop, resulting in a unique duo set in mainstream music often dominated by repetetive sounds.

The duo—Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West—are expected to play songs from their sophomore album as well as from their first, self-titled “Oh Wonder.”

Their debut album was met with international success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide and streaming more than 500 million times, and drawing an almost cult-like following from their unconventional success.

Starting in 2014, the duo began releasing a song per month, not intending to draw national, or even international, fame.

Labels came calling, audiences demanded live shows and, eventually, Oh Wonder succumbed to the pressure.

“Ultralife” is an album riddled with strong instrumentals and Vander Gucht’s sleepy voice. Bass, drums, analogue synths and background beats boom in the background while Vander Gucht complements the sound with caressing, almost romantic vocals.

The album’s central theme revolves around the need for human beings to remain in contact to survive, but to also cherish your own self. This is highlighted in songs such as My friends and Solo, among others.

Jaymes Young, a singer-songwriter pop artist, will open up for the famous duo.

Tickets are $30 and are available for the duo’s second performance Oct. 3. Doors are at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.

Featured Photo Credit: Courtesy of WikiCommons.

Brad Dress is a junior journalism major and can be reached at dressbrad@gmail.com.