Ward Thomas at Barbican Hall

Taking the music scene by storm, non-identical twins Lizzy and Catherine Ward Thomas make up the country-pop duo that is Ward Thomas. Their latest and fifth studio album release, Music in the Madness, covers all forms of emotion with its heart-wrenching songbook of tracks. Originally from Hampshire, the sisters look to break the mould on the UK music scene by bringing British country pop to the forefront.

With a relaxing stage set up and soft lighting, the pair first set foot onto the stage to the accompaniment of thundering applause. They opened the show with All Over Again, an unforgiving love song from their latest album, reminiscing about the all too relatable experience of feeling lost in life. Their vocals melted together like butter, their harmonies so perfectly in sync that it made you question whether this is down to twin instinct.

The girls introduced a plot twist to the set by announcing very early on that Catherine is currently nine months pregnant and still touring despite this, news that sent a wave of disbelief through the crowd. Following this announcement, it was hard to ignore the heartwarming sight of Catherine holding her hand over her belly all throughout the show.

The lights softened to a deep blue as the singers performed some moving acoustic ballads, including the pretty track Safe, lighting up attendees with twinkling spotlights and sending a reassuring ripple around the room with their relatable messages.

The duo closed the show with Next to You, an uplifting love track also from their latest record. However, the audience weren’t finished with them yet, and the artists sprinted back onto the stage as they chanted “one more song” in unison. Ward Thomas gave us not one, but two more numbers, to close the night on an exhilarating note. They started with Carry You Home and finished with Love Does. The crowd were up on their feet, dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs, and when the performers finally left the stage, everyone was left breathless and rosy-cheeked with excitement.

It’s safe to say Ward Thomas delivered a magical performance that left us on a high – an evening to remember.

Emily Downie
Photos: Guifré de Peray

For further information and future events visit Ward Thomas’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Carry You Home here: