The Kennedys are a folk rock duo made up of husband and wife team Pete and Maura Kennedy. They’ve been around for 20 years, but I have to confess they are new to me. Believe it or not they are releasing no less than 3 albums in 2015, of which West is the first – a thirteen-track collection of songs shifting from West coast 60s to country to folk; with pop flourishes and two-part Appalachian style harmonies thrown in for good measure.
“Perfect Love” for example offers up Byrds infused opening bars and tight light harmonies. With a 60s teen-beat and sentiment, it pretty much turns into a guilty pleasure, but it kept keep me on board. I was quite happy to stay on board actually.
I found myself coming from the other side of the track “Black Snake, White Snake”. It is a real version of what The Handsome Family would write a disturbing ballad about. Maybe my fondness for Celtic rock band Horslips helps me enjoy both. Then title track “West” is an upbeat on the road country folk number. This is the one most likely to be buzzing about your head the next day after hearing it.
“Jubilee Time” is a great song. I love Pete Kennedy’s croaky voice in this, and Maura’s background harmonies are holding him up, supporting him, which I think is a key message of the track. It reminds me of something Martin Stephenson & the Daintees would sing, and that is a very good thing.
“Locket” opens with Buddy Holly guitar that continues throughout the song. However what stands out to me is how it shows off Maura Kennedy’s voice. Her singing adds a Peter, Paul and Mary vibe at the same time. But whatever the decade, that bygone era element paces its way through the album, adding charm, sweet light harmonies, those West coast guitar riffs, and the occasional childhood memory.
Label Self-Released
Release Date April 13 2015
Touring the UK April-May 2015
www.kennedysmusic.com
