Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Kepano Green is actually a duo of Josh Kauffman and Paul Duncan who both play guitar and sing. Songwriting is equally spilt between the duo and for the record, Duncan also plays piano on some of these songs. As a lesson in creating an independent album, this is an excellent example of how low budgets can be overcome with some creativity. Recorded in the Wheaton College TV studio straight onto ADAT, the duo took their best songs from the live set and mixed them down to DAT and hey presto! You get an unplugged live album that showcases Kepano Green's songwriting talents and the warmth of their music. Simple arrangements, minimum backing beyond the pair's acoustic guitars and strong vocals. There are times when Paul Duncan's vocals remind me of George Michael and this isn't necessarily a bad thing! One of the endearing features of their music is that they write songs that draw on very personal experiences with songs stretching back over a five year period. As for my favourites, call me soppy but I like the melancholy melody of "Astonished" and the more upbeat opening cut "Emmanuel". Proving that sometimes, simple is best, Kepano Green have achieved a great deal with this stripped down recording.

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