So a while ago I uploaded what I thought was the last bit of writing I could find that I did for Cool Try.

Today I was thinking about a review I finished off whilst in Melbourne within the few days I was there before heading off to Japan in 2015. Couldn’t find it in my review folders. However, I managed to find a copy of the review among one of my email folders which I’m glad about as it makes the archive that little bit more complete.

Anyway, here is the last bit of writing I can find (at the moment) that I did for Cool Try.
I remember being quite tired when I wrote this as I’d gone from some rather long fortnights of work for a few months to suddenly being on break.

This reads like a point summary more than a review. Kind of gets things across but it feels ineffective, I think. At the same time, there are some bits that work well. Maybe.
I also feel it’s far too short. Could’ve expanded on this one quite a fair bit.

Other than adding a space and fixing a spelling error, this is as it was when it was on Cool Try.

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Oh Wonder haven’t been around for long, but they’re now releasing their first album.

Oh Wonder is quite low-key, slow, and bare in sound.
Blending elements of jazz, pop, and electronic, quiet beats and muted are the driving base for most of the songs, with minimalistic and simple instrumentation sitting on top of them, giving off a fairly relaxed feel.

This also allows fuller sections to flourish more and have a greater impact, sounding quite lush when they come in but also prevents them from detracting from everything else as they still match the softer parts.

When it comes to dual vocals, there is always a risk of them clashing and detracting from the songs.
As both members keep their vocals gentle, they blend well together. Neither sound like they’re trying to outdo the other, allowing the sound of their voices to come through more.
At times the vocals sound fragile and at other times they sound wanting, but they never sound desperate, downbeat or depressed.

The lyrics are well-written and have a good flow to them.
Whilst a lot of what is sung seems to be about relationships, the words are soft, matching the music, and nothing comes off as awkward.
It could be that the lyrics are harder and more direct than they seem and that they come off as soft due to the vocal delivery; I’m not entirely sure.
Either way, they work well for the songs.

Oh Wonder is a fairly strong release.
It’s a relaxed and quiet affair that offers more than what I’ve described in this review.
It probably could have benefited from having a few less tracks, but it is still worth listening to.