Ward Thomas are back with the first taste of brilliant new music from their infectious forthcoming studio album Invitation – out October 2nd on WTW Music through eastwest.
Sweet Time lays down an impressive marker. A graduation in sound and a newfound maturity makes for a profound step up. The track opens the album in style, injecting an exciting pace from the get go, with Haim-like guitar work and bursting with youthful energy.
Largely produced by Jonathan Quarmby (Lewis Capaldi, Tom Walker, Finley Quaye), and mostly recorded in lockdown from their Hampshire cottage, Invitation is a coaxing doorway for all into an exciting new chapter as the fog of a global pandemic begins to lift. There’s palpable energy by the bucket load, and many of its songs benefit from a coming of age for sisters Catherine and Lizzy and a new found voice sees them diversify their sound.
The girls say; “2020 has been a year full of learning, which we feel has changed our approach to this album. We recorded a lot of it from our cottage, and working remotely came with its share of challenges, but also new opportunities. Although recorded during uncertain times, the record feels like an invitation to a more positive time; to a more open and exciting new chapter. We named it after a lyric in the song Open Your Mind because the album feels like an invitation – whether it be figuratively, an invitation to self-reflect, or physically, to a time when we can all party again.”
Meant To Be Me delivers a new twist on their country roots showcasing a wonderful pop sound mixed with clever use of mandolin, whilst Dear Me briefly strips away the music, making for a stunning Imogen Heap-style near acapella performance. There’s also a strong James Bond-esque candidate in My Favourite Poison, and even their more traditional country-pop tracks have found a new level, with the brilliant ‘Wait Up’ and previously released Hold Space. Other highlights include the strikingly rhythmic Don’t Be A Stranger and epic Someday.
The girls will also embark on an intimate “Invitation” acoustic tour, which was rescheduled due to Covid-19, for April next year. The 16-date run will include two dates at London’s Union Chapel on the 26th & 27th. The band will perform at City Varieties in Leeds on 12th April 2021.
2020 may have been a year of global ups and downs so far, but as one door closes, another opens. Enter an exciting new chapter for Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas.