JP Kennedy’s latest single is a bombastic piece of bluesy, folkish rock that’s gently triumphant. Coupled with a whimsical, hilarious clip, JP Kennedy is choosing to not take things too seriously.
‘Highway Star’ has got potent Western and Latin cues that pay homage to groups such as Calexico and Hermano Gutierrez. Things like the song’s prominent string arrangement and dramatic chord choices are in the forefront of what defines ‘Highway Star’. A singer and songwriter hailing from the Irish town of Ardara, JP Kennedy, with an entire ocean of distance, proves the globetrotting properties of Latin rock with ‘Highway Star’.
The song’s energetic, forward-moving momentum is provided by an electrifying and dynamic string arrangement, and a powerful drum groove, alongside Kennedy’s nasal and distinctive delivery of the song’s quirky and whimsical words. The quirky and whimsical is endearingly carried over to the song’s video following the misadventures of Kennedy and actor Danny Georgiou, playing less-than-brilliant highwaymen. Directed by Danny brother Christopher Georgiou and shot in Cyprus, the video features multiple characters and entertaining scenes, coupled with the song’s heroic musical themes, the coupling is quite humorous.
Produced by Aisling Jarvis at Dublin’s Mo & Co Recording Studios, JP Kennedy’s ‘Highway Star’ is a punchy and warm Latin rocker taken from his upcoming concept EP, and has already got our ears (and eyes) perked for more from JP Kennedy.
