The Pierces, Shepherd's Bush Empire, review: Dark melodic storytellers continue to enchant

Theirs is music Taylor Swift might aspire to create in a few years time

The Pierces perform on stage in London (Getty Images)

The Pierces may be known for their dreamy folk-pop, but there is nothing simpering about Alabama sister duo Catherine and Allison Pierce. Theirs is music Taylor Swift might aspire to create in a few years time - songs woven around love and heartbreak, yet sung with strength and rocky darkness.

They opened with “Elements” a floaty take on modern folk, underpinned by electro synths that called to mind sister act Haim. But The Pierces existed long before Haim, having recently launched their fifth album, Creation, created while the pair were under the influence of psychedelic brew ayahuasca.

While this route has offered a darker appeal to tracks such as “Monsters”, it certainly hasn't affected their magical harmonies, demonstrated during the blissful “Flesh and Bone” and their cover of Simon and Garfunkel's “Kathy's Song”. Catchy “Believe In Me” was imbued with vulnerable hopefulness.

Like all good double acts, The Pierces played to their strengths - Catherine was a magnetic gothic show woman with Debbie Harry cheekbones, and Allison, although more reserved, the musical linchpin, switching easily between electric and acoustic guitar.

While the sisters don't go in for experimentation, they are still melodic storytellers whose harmonies continue to enchant.