"From Where We Stand" - the new album from Ward Thomas

I know some people hate country - but they are wrong. I grew up in Chicago, not exactly the country music capital of America, but that's where I fell in love with it. When I moved to Texas in 2008, I discovered that country music was how people did things, and I was in heaven. This new album from up-and-coming group, Ward Thomas, is everything country music needs to be these days: fun, energetic, and full of that down-home feeling.
Occasionally, I go on the hunt for new country music. Most times, albums will sound like Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift, because that SELLS. It appeals to people outside the country music scene, and this album is no different. Fun songs, mixed with tight harmonies, banjo, and steel guitar - it's a winner.

"Way Back When" is about asking your elders what things were like in their generation - in this song, it turns out alright, but in my experiences the older generation just wants to tell us to quit taking selfies and get a job. Still, it's a fun track, easy harmonies, great for driving down the highway on the way to the beach.

The third track on the album, "Footnotes - Happy Ending," features some harmonies that sound particularly bluegrassy, but the steel guitar reminds us that we're still in country territory. The message of the song, "Help me get my happy ending right," is an anthem for 20-somethings who are still trying to figure out what we're doing in life.

"Guest List" is cute and catchy, and I love that it doesn't necessarily point to a romantic interest! I want more songs about friends and less about smooshy love, especially in country music.

These twins, Catherine and Lizzy, grew up in the UK yet somehow sound like they've been living in Tennessee all their lives.

The track, "Wasted Words," has the best chorus on the album, a story that makes sense with harmonies that are delightful. I could do without the borderline cheesy backing vocals - give me more of the sisters and less remastering, and it would be a perfect track.

If we want to talk about a perfect track, let's talk about "Company." It rocks an electric guitar, but doesn't lose the country vibe - the banjo is prominent, and so is the practically trademark worthy harmonic sound of the twins. The message is simple, catchy, and easy to sing along to, which, let's be real, is 90% of the appeal of country music. For most of us, anyway.

"Town Called Ugley" is upbeat and FUN. It's a perfect ending to the album, which has gone through a range of emotions and styles within country music. If Ward Thomas keeps chucking out records that are this fun and upbeat, I can guarantee they'll be on radiowaves in the UK and in the USA, burning up the country charts. I'll be interested to hear how their sound matures and develops with their next album!




You can catch up with Ward Thomas on their website, or on Twitter @WardThomasMusic.