'Bonfire' Album Review
The Shires return with their first new music in 4 years, and believe us, it's been worth the wait.
Relevant Posts
Nikki Blackburn
There comes a point in every artist's career where they have to decide whether to completely reinvent themselves or simply refine what they already do brilliantly. Six albums in, The Shires have chosen the latter—and Bonfire is all the better for it.
After four years away, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes return sounding refreshed, confident and, perhaps most importantly, like they're genuinely enjoying making music again. Bonfire expands The Shires' signature country-pop sound with subtle new influences, brighter production and a warmth that runs through every single track. It's familiar without feeling repetitive, adventurous without losing sight of what made fans fall in love with them in the first place.
.png)
.jpg)
Simply put, this is The Shires' strongest and most consistent album since Accidentally On Purpose.
From the opening moments, Bonfire radiates optimism. The title track bursts to life with sun-soaked Latin-inspired rhythms and festival-ready energy, immediately setting the tone for an album that feels tailor-made for long summer evenings, road trips and live singalongs. Lead single "Getaway Car" keeps that momentum rolling, delivering exactly the kind of soaring harmonies and uplifting chorus that have become synonymous with The Shires over the last decade.
But where Bonfire truly shines is in its quieter, more emotional moments.
"Magnetised" is undoubtedly one of the finest songs the duo have written in years. Built around a gorgeous piano melody before blossoming into a soaring chorus, it's an effortlessly romantic love song that showcases everything The Shires do best. Ben and Crissie's vocals have never sounded more natural together, and it's impossible not to imagine festival crowds belting every word back this summer.
Equally impressive is "House of Cards", an emotionally rich ballad that allows Crissie Rhodes to remind everyone why she's one of the UK's finest vocalists. Delicate piano, sweeping strings and beautifully restrained production create a cinematic backdrop for a song about the fragility of relationships. It's heartfelt without ever becoming melodramatic and stands as one of the album's defining moments.
The duo switch gears once again on "Slow Dance", a shimmering slice of country-pop that perfectly captures that nervous excitement of wondering whether friendship could become something more. The chorus quietly builds before exploding into one of the album's biggest hooks, making it another clear standout.
Then there's "One For The Whiskey"—arguably the album's most traditional country offering. Stripped back and wonderfully understated, Ben takes centre stage on a classic heartbreak song where every drink tells its own story. It's proof that sometimes less really is more, with the simplicity allowing the emotion to land exactly where it should.
Throughout Bonfire, The Shires strike an impressive balance between evolution and familiarity. Songs like "Watching You Watching Me" and "Come Back Around" introduce fresh musical textures and rhythmic influences, while tracks such as "Sing You Back" and closing number "A Good Life" bring the album home with sincerity, gratitude and genuine heart.
Perhaps what makes "Bonfire" so enjoyable is how effortless it all feels. Nothing sounds forced. Nothing feels like it's trying too hard to fit into today's country landscape. Instead, The Shires lean into their strengths—exceptional harmonies, relatable songwriting and melodies that refuse to leave your head.
After more than a decade leading the charge for British country music, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes sound more comfortable in their own skin than ever before. Bonfire doesn't reinvent The Shires; it reminds us exactly why they became the UK's biggest country duo in the first place.
Warm, uplifting and packed with career highlights, Bonfire is not only their best album since Accidentally On Purpose; it's one of the strongest British country releases of the year.
Excitingly, The Shires will be hitting the road this November, back with a full band, after spending most of 2024 & 2025 on their acoustic "Two of Us" Tour. Check out the dates below, as well as our interview with Ben chatting all about Bonfire, being the OG's of UK Country music and possibly collaborating with Zach Top.
.png)
Keep up with The Shires socials below:
