Album Review: Jep & Dep - Word Got Out

The country duet is often maligned. Done with the right intent – as here, with minimal distraction from the central conversations – the emotions are front and centre, the simplicity sharpening the focus. Despite the relative youth of the names on the marquee, we’re talking early Johnny Cash and June Carter here, rather than Kenny and Dolly. Darren Cross’ almost-croon and strummed guitar makes for good contrast with Jessica Cassar’s sometimes bell-like lamentations. Babe Come Down’s distant cymbal splash, or My Man’s banjo, just underscore the love – or love gone wrong – in songs of apparently honest feeling.