Review

By Isaac Bradley | 08/07/2026

Four years since their last studio outing, The Shires sound revitalised on Bonfire. Rather than chasing the latest Nashville trends, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes lean into the strengths that made them Britain's most successful country duo, while subtly broadening their musical horizons with Latin rhythms, folk textures and polished contemporary production. The result is their warmest, most cohesive and effortlessly enjoyable record in years. Opening with Bonfire Song, the duo immediately signal that this isn't simply business as usual. Breezy acoustic guitars, infectious percussion and a sun-soaked chorus create an irresistible festival anthem, blending country with vibrant Latin-pop influences without ever feeling forced. It's an adventurous start that pays off handsomely. The momentum barely lets up. UK Country Radio chart-topper Getaway Car delivers the soaring harmonies and uplifting melodies fans have come to expect, while Magnetised recalls the emotional honesty and melodic strength that made My Universe such a defining release. Elsewhere, Watching You Watching Me injects a playful swagger into the album, embracing funky rhythms and flirtatious lyricism that feel refreshingly different without losing the duo's identity. The emotional heart of Bonfire lies within its ballads. House of Cards gives Rhodes room to deliver one of her finest vocal performances to date, wrapping a fragile relationship in cinematic strings and understated piano. Equally affecting, Sing You Back is a beautifully crafted anthem of longing, elevated by elegant orchestration and a chorus that lingers long after the final note. There's plenty of variety throughout, from the shimmering pop sheen of Slow Dance to the stripped-back melancholy of One for the Whiskey, while Come Back Around cleverly blends Americana influences with contemporary country production. Every track feels purposeful, making Bonfire one of those increasingly rare albums where skipping songs simply never crosses your mind. The closing a good life brings everything back to what matters most. Its reflective message of gratitude, family and shared experiences perfectly encapsulates the spirit running through the entire record. Rather than attempting to reinvent themselves, The Shires have refined everything they do best, delivering an album that's authentic, uplifting and quietly ambitious. Bonfire doesn't shout for attention; instead, it wins you over through exceptional songwriting, impeccable harmonies and genuine heart. For a duo entering their second decade, it feels less like a victory lap and more like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.