THE Americana series continues next week at the Locke Bar. Next up in the popular series is critically acclaimed Americana duo, The Kennedys performing a live acoustic set. Over the last two decades, The Kennedys have released a string of albums to critical acclaim in the US, that have traversed a broad musical landscape, surveying power pop, acoustic songwriting, organic rock rooted in their early days in Austin Texas, and a Byrds-inspired jangle that drew the attention of Roger McGuinn, Steve Earle, and most notably Nanci Griffith.
While somewhat unknown in these parts but for a devoted coterie who scan the internet for import-only releases, that is set to change this week as the duo tours Ireland with their latest album ‘Closer Than You Know’.
The Kennedys produced Nanci Griffith’s latest CD and ‘Closer Than You Know’ marks the eleventh release for the duo. The folks at Locke Bar told Limerick Post this week that The Kennedys music is pop for grownups, sweetness without froth, and you will find your spirits lifted, even as the texture shifts from sunlit to a rich darkness. Pete’s instrumental arrangements cushion Maura’s bell-like harmonies, and the sonic colours reflect a palette of influences, from John Barry to the Byrds, but ultimately The Kennedys stand on their own and once again come up with a unique sound that is as uplifting as it is unclassifiable.
The Kennedys play The Loft Venue, Locke Bar this Monday May 20.
