THE KENNEDYS —CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW (Self-Released)

[Maurice Hope]

 

http://www.kennedysmusic.com

 

Melancholy, dreamy vocal harmonies lined light and friendly jangling pop folk cum country that owes as much to the 1960s music of the Byrds as most any other such is the work of multi-picker Pete Kennedy (acoustic,electric, bass guitar,keyboards,trap kit) who supports his wife, singer-songwriter Maura’s bell-like tones (her voice is the one used for the vocal harmonies too). Maura and Pete have in the past (and presently) toured with with Nanci Griffith and Steve Earle.

 

On blending a slightly Celtic feel, ‘Marina Dream’ sets a standard above most all they do. In truth could if heard by the likes of Altan, Capercaille’s Karen Matheson and the likes it will be an instant favourite and covered in numbers. The good stuff doesn’t stop there either for she also hits her stride on the wistful ‘Sigh’,keyboards opened ‘Home’. That questions can you hear me and aches to be brought home by her lover. Likewise ‘Made Of Sand’ speaks of how if the sidewalks were made of sand she would follow and where for once her tones are urgent, despairingly so. As she awaits to reacquainted with her man. For the best jangling piece ‘Big Star Song’ is an uplifting affair that gives reference to the late, singer-songwriter Alex Chilton who wrote the Box Tops’ 1960s biggie ‘The Letter’.

 

All but the flowing piece ‘Wild Honey’ (U2) are penned by Maura, and though not too familiar to these ears I can’t imagine Bono and the boys doing anything to match this! For it sounds great! As she ups a gear and her voice takes on a stronger edge and gives life to the album. Following it in running order ‘Happy Again’ has a feel good factor run through it as she sings ‘you’ll be happy again, and beat it. And of how you sometimes pay the price and you will not let it happen again (and hence be happy again). To close we have the truly melancholy ‘Winter Lies’ that fans of them and fistful or so albums they have made may well like but I found it just a little too gentle and dream-like. For it to gain little more than a passing glance (as in listen). 

 

                                                            Maurice Hope   

Sole UK Date ; October 29th Half-Moon Putney, London