Closer Than You Know is the first fully promoted UK album release from The Kennedys - Pete and Maura Kennedy - a folk rock duo from NYC.

Formed in 1992, Nanci Griffiths was the catalyst to the band's creation - Pete being her guitarist and Maura subsequently recruited as a harmony vocalist. The pair struck a chord and soon started performing together as Nanci's opening act.

Eleven albums later, the pair are once again opening for Griffiths on her current European tour (having produced her latest album Intersection), and are using the opportunity to promote both Closer Than You Know and their recent Retrospective album - a great 'taster'.

Heavily influenced by the late sixties scene and in particular, Dylan, The Byrds, and The Beatles, the new album is their first for four years and is easy access pop for grown ups - think Aimee Mann meets The Pierces and you won't be far wide of the mark.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley