Ward Thomas
Polished country pop for the line dancers.
Tonight, the Arts Centre is sold out for a night of polite, polished, country-pop.
When I reviewed the Ward Thomas album, I could see the promise in gigs songs but was put off by the overly produced, mainstream country pop sound. I wanted less Garth Brooks, more Steve Earle. I hoped the live show would have more of an edge. And it does... to a degree.
With the sparkling harmonies of the WT sisters, they'll never be Motorhead but tonight's sound is a lot livelier than that album. Yep, it is too polished and professional for me and a little less polish and a bit more soul would be welcome. As it is, Ward Thomas are winning over the country crowd and could crossover into the mainstream. (6.5/10)
Opener Harry Seaton is an acoustic guitar playing singer-songwriter. More folk than country, he presents some decent songs and some inventive fingerpicking on closer Wildfire. (6/10)
Jessica Ridley is a bit of an enigma. Backed up by a guitarist and percussionist, most of what she plays is well-received but standard country. Like Ward Thomas, a bit too mannered for me. Underneath all that, there may be a damned fine soul-country-southern rock combo itching to burst out. Ridley had an interesting delivery that, at times, almost verges on daisy age rap. If only Ridley would allow that individuality to shine and her band to rock out. (6/10)
