Kevin Barber and Mark Taylor have something that many musicians will envy. Apart from their ability to write superb songs and play ukulele, mandolin, banjo; electric, bass, slide, steel and lap resonator guitars - they have empathy. And incidentally their harmonies a pretty spot on too.

The acoustic duo needs to be just that, a duo, and by implication that means tight and together. Too many duos rub along with each other, sometimes close, but occasionally far apart. Listen to ‘the reason why’ from Barber & Taylor and you’ll hear a duo with empathy for the music and each other.

This album gives you a mix of styles built on a foundation of American folk, overlayed with bluegrass rhythms, a touch of country and an edge of blues, all suffused with Barber & Taylor’s combined talent. However you attempt to classify them, Barber & Taylor are a superb acoustic duo it’s that simple. The album offers views on life, tinges of sadness and sharp narratives of a Tennessee Williams play or Harper Lee novel put to music.

The album opens with ‘Counting the Minutes’ and wistful lost-love song that perfectly introduces their music and lyrics, and shows the musical understanding between Kevin and Mark. ‘The Endless Possibilities of War’ is one of those songs to catch your soul. Lyrics such as: “Now you’re here and it’s my job to show you the endless possibilities of war.” If that doesn’t touch you nothing will. ‘Children of the Chapel’ is without doubt one of the finest instrumentals I’ve heard in a long time. It conveys a depth of emotion and feeling, and demonstrates their fine musicianship.

‘Flowers in Her Hair’ and ‘I Will Remember’ both tell tales of loss and pain in different ways (and I love the narrative folk song) with powerful lyrics wrapped in gentle tunes. ‘Flowers in Her Hair’ describes murder and loss with a bite that makes you sit up and listen. It’s hard as nails. ‘I Will Remember’ tells the story of a soldier never coming home. They’re both compelling songs with inspired instrumentation to match.

This is an album to listen to again and again, once is not enough, because each time you listen there’s more to hear. 

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