It is hard to believe the sister duo Aly & Aj took the stage in Kenan Auditorium just over a week ago, treating UNC Wilmington with childhood nostalgia and modern synth-pop songs. After months of anticipation, UNCW and the Association of Campus Entertainment (ACE) hosted the band on Oct. 24, 2019.

The night started with the Wilmington-based rock band Striking Copper, and similar to Aly & Aj, the band is led by powerhouse redhead twin sisters, Jacquie and Allie Lee. Striking Copper performed a host of songs with a sound somewhere between blues, country and folk, but nonetheless gave a captivating and gritty performance.

Aly & Aj came on stage radiating cool, leaving their teenage pop star personas behind and instead, donning chic blazer outfits and sharp harmonies. Despite previewing their new sound through a 2018 album and 2019 EP, the duo did not hide from the Disney-esque songs that made them teenage stars. They performed “Like Whoa” and their most popular hit “Potential Breakup Song,” the crowd chanting along to the decades-old lyrics. The sisters also performed songs from their most recent EP “Sanctuary,” and even a cover of Grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn.” People that just came to be reminded of past hits left with a glimpse of modern pop music from two women who proved their best is not behind but ahead of them.

Gallery • 19 Photos

Aly and Aj perform for UNCW students in Kenan Auditorium on Oct. 24. Photo by Brenna Flanagan.