COUNTRY pop twin sisters Ward Thomas will return to York Barbican on February 25 next year to promote their forthcoming third album, Restless Minds.

Released on February 1 on WTW Music/Sony Music as the follow-up to 2016's chart-topping Cartwheels, it is preceded by 24-year-old Catherine and Lizzy's jubilant new single, Never Know.

Written by Ward Thomas in tandem with Rebekah Powell and Jessica Sharman, who also co-wrote the twins' last single, Lie Like Me, this empowering, arms-aloft pop anthem is their "ranty song". If you listen carefully, it secretly features a reversed sample of a growling dog.

"Never Know is a song we have always wanted to write," say Catherine and Lizzy. "It’s for anyone who has been rejected in a friendship, relationship or in work. But out of that rejection comes empowerment and a sense of freedom and release, which gives you the courage to do what you believe in and be yourself."

The Hampshire-born twins have tackled issues close to their hearts on Restless Minds, offering their observations on social media, the women’s movement, mental health and what "the truth" means in 2018. "We couldn’t help but address social media and the subconscious competition it creates," says Lizzy. "There’s a fake reality that everyone our age is falling for right now. Scroll down, see my page, look at my perfect life!"

Ward Thomas will feature in the forthcoming BBC Radio 1 documentary Beyond Nashville, presented by Scott Mills, who explores country music's rising success in the British charts this year, while also looking at how country has changed and grown on both sides of the Big Pond. Along the way, Scott Mills speaks to artists on today’s scene, including Catherine and Lizzy. Beyond Nashville can be heard on BBC Radio1’s iPlayer channel on October 19 and on the BBC red button too.

Ward Thomas last played York Barbican in April 2017. Tickets for next February's return – the only Yorkshire gig among their 15 dates – go on sale on Friday at 9am on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.