THE JEREMIAH BROS. – The Jeremiah Bros. (own label)

JeremiahThe Jeremiah Brothers are a couple of dudes from the mid-west who ambled into a studio in Nashville, shook the dust off their boots and recorded their debut album off-the-floor in a single afternoon. Nah! If life were a story it would be true but it isn’t like that.

Kevin and Ciaran Jeremiah are British and cut their musical teeth in the family band playing Irish and American folk music. They formed The Feeling, made a number one album and released hit singles but now they have returned to their musical roots. Stripped-down acoustic guitars and hand percussion are underpinned by restrained backing that owes much to their hit-making career all topped out with harmonies that have more than a little Simon & Garfunkel about them.

In truth, it’s a bit one paced. There are some fine songs, notably ‘London Angel’, inspired by Ciaran’s wife, and ‘Not That Easy’, a tribute to their late father. There are several baby-please-don’t-go love songs like ‘Half Of Me Leaving’, a vocalised instrumental, ‘Apoc’, and a paean to Bohemian free spirits in ‘Lie With You’. The brothers produced the album themselves and have brought all their experience to bear. Occasionally the acoustic guitar seems rather strident but I suppose that’s just a matter of taste.

Dai Jeffries

Artists’ website: http://thejeremiahbrothers.com/