delicious
facebook
rss
twitter
youtube
pinterest
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • MTK TV
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Milk It
  • Tour Diary



Live Review: The Shires @ Bush Hall

November 17, 2014
country, live review, new artist, new music, ones to watch
The Shires Ward Thomas Bush Hall

Photos and Review by Clare Knight
11/11/14 Bush Hall, London

The UK is seeing a resurgence in the popularity in country music and it’s a new breed of music, no imitation of USA counterparts will be seen here. With Whispering Bob Harris being a prominent figure in the country music scene, we have seen shows like Country 2 Country at the O2 Arena along with easily accessible country music through BBC Radio 2. At the forefront of this flow of great country acts is The Shires, a British duo made of singer/songwriters Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle. We headed to a sold out show at Bush Hall in London to see the band play for the first time.

The Shires Ward Thomas Bush Hall

Support came from another talented country duo, Ward Thomas, this time a duo of sisters with nice country twangs and an obvious love for country music. This was part of the Homegrown Tour that has been travelling around the country playing to sold out audiences throughout. Not often do you see a venue fill out completely before the support act takes the stage, but that was the case at this venue, and no doubt others on the tour. People came to see country music, and country music they got.

Ward Thomas got the crowd pumped up with their catchy harmony laden songs and not to mention their cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off‘, in which they revealed they would be moving into rap music. Understandably that was met with boos of disapproval by the audience – a clear sign that this crowd loved their country music! Both bands mentioned that they had worked in Nashville, which is only natural for songwriting and recording in that scene.

The Shires Ward Thomas Bush Hall

After a quick changeover, The Shires took the stage to a very warm welcome. Their set consisted of intimate and emotive songs with lyrics that made you listen. But they were counter balanced by fun songs about drinking on a Friday night. You get the best of both world’s with this band. In amongst the singing along and dancing came very mellow moments such as when they spoke about playing at Silence in the Square in Trafalgar Square on the same day as the gig, which happened to be Remembrance Day. It was very poignant and they were met with applause when they started to play their song ‘Brave‘. Bush Hall hushed to silence for the whole song and erupted into applause afterwards.

The Shires Ward Thomas Bush Hall

Of course, great singalong songs like ‘Nashville Grey Skies‘ and ‘Tonight‘ went down the best of the night, possibly because they are their most well known songs, but maybe it’s just because they are so good that you can’t help but start singing along.

The Shires are great with a full band but just as great stripped back as just two voices and a guitar or piano. Their voices blend effortlessly yet shine on their own with their own styles coming through. With good banter between songs and a relaxed stage atmosphere it was easy to enjoy the gig.

The Shires Ward Thomas Bush Hall

It was clear that they already have a strong following judging by the size of the queue to meet them after the gig. You will definitely be hearing and seeing more of this duo that are making a noise with their proud British country music.

The Shires have a new EP out now called The Green Note EP. Make sure you grab yourself a copy.

Milky Tea Kid will be interviewing and doing an acoustic session with The Shires this month. Check back and follow so you don’t miss out!

About the Author
Clare is the creator and editor of Milky Tea Kid. She is a blogger and musician who appreciates an eclectic range of music. She drinks copious amounts of tea but contrary to popular belief is not really that fussed about how milky it is!
Spread the word
  • google-share

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

*
*

captcha *

Stay up-to-date with the MTK Newsletter

* = required field

Related Posts

Cheap Trick Photo
Album Review: Cheap Trick - Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello
May 05, 2016
Worth It Chris Cape Robsco
Single Review: 'Worth It' by Chris Cape feat. Robsco
Mar 06, 2016
Lianne La Havas Blood Album
Live Review: Lianne La Havas @ Brixton Academy
Dec 24, 2015

Categories

  • Featured
  • Interview
  • Milk It
  • News
  • Review
  • Session
  • Tour Diary

Twitter Stream

  • I just collected an extra chance to win £2,500 cash with @Top_Cashback! #XmasTreats https://t.co/8l62qoqwwy over a year ago
  • I like to #travel. Here is my @GoPro vid of my Morocco mini adventure using @SailVideoSystem https://t.co/ytZLOlFHm4 https://t.co/sK0AJkyKUZ over a year ago
  • Thank you @lissiemusic for the candid interview on the creation of 'My Wild West'! https://t.co/syoCMkXEiM https://t.co/lnIUiSgROd over a year ago

Contact Us


© Copyright 2013 Milky Tea Kid
Website designed by Pondera Creative