The Shires - Accidentally On Purpose

The Shires have come an extremely long way since forming on Facebook at the end of 2013. Having spent the subsequent year building a name the grassroots way, the duo signed a deal with Decca Records and were catapulted to headline worthy success as they became the first British
Country act to score at Top 10 album when they released Brave in March 2015.

Although their 2016 sophomore effort only achieved a #2 position in the album charts, it became the fastest selling UK country album of all-time, even if Ward Thomas pipped them to the post with the first ever homegrown country album to hit #1, when their album Cartwheels hit the top spot.

Now with all eyes on the duo to see if they can finally top the charts themselves, the pressure is on as they reveal Accidentally On Purpose.

Unsurprisingly the band's PR team have been going full throttle with a campaign, which has seen the unveiling of the album artwork 'Accidentally on Purpose'... See what they did there?

And this was just the start of a campaign that has seen faltering television adverts and promotional stunts taking place around the UK, much to concern of some of their loyal fanbase. However, it has got their fanbase re-engaged, so does the music live up to the expectation?

In actual fact it exceeds them all. Although My Universe may have sold quickly, many criticised it for playing far too safely into the palms of those who had revered their debut.

While Accidentally On Purpose does not shake up the formula too shockingly, it does at least move them further ahead as an act and really starts to develop the two voices that shape the band as opposed to simply allowing them to compliment one another.

Opening with The Hard Way, the formula for the album is laid out rather clearly. Both members have a chance to shine, while the powerful hit of their harmonies are not forgotten. This is a lush ballad that will have you singling along in glee as it builds.

Echo follows quickly afterwards, and while it has echoes of A Thousand Hallelujahs, the pop anthem no doubt will win audiences over when the duo kick off their UK tour later this month.

Lead single Guilty is an early highlight, and it is clear why the irresistible pop-country anthem was chosen to tease the release. It is followed by the album's finest cut, Sleepwalk. With echoes of Lady Antebellum and Sugarland, The Shires finally reveal a song that could see them crack the States. Could this be their first US hit? It most certainly will make a big impression on the BBC Radio 2 playlist over here.

Rather strangely the album's title track, alongside the Ed Sheeran penned Stay The Night provide the album's low points. While they aren't necessarily bad songs, they just are not as memorable as the remainder of the album. They are only songs that feel like they belong on the duo's debut album as opposed to their third release.

Alongside Sleepwalk, the simple acoustic tenderness of Ahead Of The Storm provides a key highlight, while Crissie Rhodes' shining moment comes in the shape of the piano driven Speechless, that will leave you without words,

Accidentally On Purpose is anything but accidental. The Shires have taken their time and ensured that they raised the bar. This is a defining moment for a duo who needed to prove themselves. Accidentally On Purpose is an impressive record.