Single / Track Reviews
FINBAR - Single
Music-News.com is proud to host the exclusive world premiere of "Finbar" by Kerry Kenny Band.
"Names can haunt. In “Finbar,” Kerry Kenny channels a woman driven half-mad by repeating one, until it spills into drums, wild dancing, and ink scrawled only to be set alight. The Scranton, Pennsylvania singer-songwriter cracks open her forthcoming album Brutal Best with a single that doesn’t confess so much as combust—its imagery of effigies in flames, co-directed with Tom Robenolt of Point Five Films, searing itself into memory. “She’s not well,” Kenny says with a laugh, but the vision sticks."
- Music-News.com
PINING TIME (REMIX) - Single
Kerry Kenny Band brings Manhattan to life in brand new single “Pining Time (Remix)”
"At sunrise in Manhattan, most of New York is still half asleep. Kerry Kenny isn’t. In the new “Pining Time (Remix)” video, she’s already in motion—bolting through Hell’s Kitchen, darting down St. Mark’s Place, high-fiving Spider-Man in Times Square, and racing joggers in Central Park. It’s not a performance staged for cameras; it’s a full-tilt love letter to a city that only reveals itself at full speed.
That urgency defines Kerry Kenny Band, a group built on movement, invention, and the refusal to coast. Fronted by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kerry Kenny, the band is known for a fearless mix of rock, folk, punk, and Celtic influence—a sound shaped as much by her Irish-American roots as by years spent touring and teaching around the world. Based in Pennsylvania but fueled by a global perspective, Kerry Kenny Band has earned a reputation for high-energy shows and unfiltered storytelling that bridges continents as easily as it crosses genres."
- VENTS Magazine
PINING TIME (REMIX) - Single
The Kerry Kenny Band Isn’t Messing About With ‘Pining Time (Remix)’: An Essentially Pop Premiere
"Essentially Pop is pleased to premiere the new release from Kerry Kenny Band, ‘Pining Time (Remix)’. An upbeat retro-sounding song, it also features a fun video that sees her running through the streets of New York, every bit like a superhero.
With a rhythm that is reminiscent of Shocking Blue’s ‘Venus’, ‘Pining Time (Remix)’ brings to its sound a mix of rock, folk, punk, and Celtic vibes, the latter in the form of high-energy fiddle. It’s irresistibly catchy, with Kenny’s vocals soaring over the rock guitars, steady drums, and plinking piano."
- Lisa Hafey, Essentially Pop
PINING TIME (REMIX) - Single
HIP Video Promo Presents: Kerry Kenny Band premieres new music video ‘Pining Time (Remix)’ on EssentiallyPop.com
"Their latest release, “Pining Time (Remix),” reimagines the title track from their 2023 album with sharper edges and renewed urgency. Re-released globally through Sony Orchard, the single surges with the drive of a city morning—alive, restless, and impossible to contain. Conceived by Kenny and co-directed with drummer Mark Grasso, the video channels the kinetic chaos of the cult-classic Run Lola Run while grounding it squarely in New York’s concrete reality. “I wanted to show the city as I experienced it,” Kenny explains. “Not the postcard version, but the rush of being alive inside it."
- Andrew Gesner, EINPresswire
ROBERT MCGEE - Single
Pennsylvanian Rock-Blues Outfit Kerry Kenny Band Adds New Chapter to Kristofferson’s Legendary Song "Robert McGee"
"The band’s approach shines through their careful attention to musical detail. The guitar work weaves between gentle folk patterns and powerful rock riffs, supporting Kenny’s vocals as they shift from contemplative verses to emotionally charged choruses.
This dynamic range mirrors the push-and-pull at the heart of the story.
Production choices complement the narrative arc. The mixing gives space to each instrument while maintaining an intimate feel that draws listeners into the emotional core of the song."
- MrrrDaisy, viviPlay
ROBERT MCGEE - Single
Kerry Kenny Band Releases Soulful New Single, “Robert McGee”
"The Kerry Kenny Band has unveiled their latest single, “Robert McGee,” a poignant rock blues track that reflects the band’s signature blend of folk and rock influences. The song tells the story of a beloved figure (Bobby McGee) and explores the romantic struggle between an older man who now prefers to be addressed as “Robert” and his love who refuses to let him go.
With evocative lyrics and soulful melodies, “Robert McGee” pays homage to Janis Joplin’s iconic version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” while offering a fresh perspective on love, loss, and longing. The track showcases the band’s rich harmonies, intricate guitar work, and heartfelt storytelling, creating an immersive listening experience that resonates deeply with listeners."
- Osafo Daniel, Rotate Magazine
ZAPATOS - Album Track, Pining Time
This energetic and playful song blends storytelling with infectious melodies to create a unique musical experience.
From the opening notes, “Zapatos” grabs attention with its bouncy rhythm and vibrant energy. The song’s instrumentation is blend of folk, rock, and blues influences, a testament of Kerry Kenny Band’s unique, eclectic style. The lively beats, combined with dramatic solos and exuberant grooves, give the song a buoyant feel, even as the lyrics veer into dark humor. The upbeat tempo creates a sense of urgency and fun, perfectly contrasting the song’s grim narrative. The song’s arrangement allows each member of the band to shine, with intricate guitar riffs, groovy baselines, and expressive drumming building a dynamic and full-bodied sound. These elements blend seamlessly with Kerry Kenny’s bold vocals, which infuse the track with both playful energy and a touch of emotional depth.
- Spotify Playlist Curator, Concert Chronicles
Album Reviews
BRUTAL BEST
On BRUTAL BEST, the Kerry Kenny Band deftly dodges the sophomore slump with a bigger, badder, and bolder record than its admirable predecessor, PINING TIME.
This time around, Kenny and her able accompanists expand their sound without abandoning what worked the last time, keeping their efforts rooted both in Kenny’s powerful hot honey voice and in adept and occasionally acrobatic instrumentation that leans heavily on guitar, fiddle, and driving percussion. Kenny’s engaging and eclectic songwriting remains the band’s secret weapon. Whether conjuring the swagger of early-R.E.M. on “Chariot Hair” (a Stipean title if there ever was one), unravelling the rollicking Celtic menace of lead single “Finbar,” or rolling out the irresistible barroom singalong stumble of “Timing,” Kenny is equally adept at pricking the ears, tugging the heartstrings, and swinging the hips. Final cut “Waiting for What” falls not far from Fiona Apple’s tree, ending the record on a tastefully mysterious note.
A true ‘put it on and leave it on’ record, at its best BRUTAL BEST rolls by like a folk music carnival caravan, offering up living proof that traditional inspirations need not be timid tailored for the faint of heart. Don’t miss this ride.
- Bill Loehfelm, Music Critic/Author, New Orleans, LA
PINING TIME
Kerry Kenny Band Debuts With Genre-Bending New LP ‘Pining Time’
Pining Time is the debut album from Kerry Kenny Band, released worldwide via all major streaming services on March 17, 2023. The twelve-song set is a fun genre-bending ride with a virtuosic set of players. At their helm is a versatile and talented bandleader and storyteller who also loves a good jam session.
The title track’s funky main riff kicks off an epic anthem built on equal parts Broadway, chamber-pop, and 60’s psychedelic rock. On “Vultures”, Kerry Kenny sings esoteric and visual poetry over a dark and bluesy meditation that introduces a healthy dose of 70s art-rock to the sound. The record closes on a super cute home recording of The Kenny Kids singing some good ole mountain music.
- Bob Smith, https://staticdive.com/
Pining Time
Wielding a powerful voice equal parts honey and smoke, hope and hurt, Kenny expertly pilots her top-flight band over the wide-ranging terrain of this exciting debut.
Whether crooning or crowing, she sings with compelling urgency and furious imagination. From the bittersweet ache of “Aerosol” to the Latin swing of “Zapatos” to the psychedelic hard rock of the title track, Kenny displays an impressive versatility as a songwriter that’s well-suited to her strong vocals. Pining Time is sexy. It swings. It reels and it rocks. This is the record you want playing this summer when you put the top down and step on the gas.
- Bill Loehfelm, Music Critic/Author, New Orleans, LA
PINING TIME
Kerry Kenny Band presents its debut album: Pining Time
"On this release, the band stands out as a bonafide musical powerhouse, combining various styles to create a truly unique sound. Listeners can expect to be taken on a musical journey of curve balls ranging from rock, Motown, fusion, funk, and Latin grooves. This diverse range of influences sets the Kerry Kenny Band apart from other musical acts, as the group keeps their audience on their toes with something new and exciting. Kerry Kenny herself is a genuinely wonderful vocalist. She is very versatile and has a huge range, enabling her to explore the impressive array of sounds that makes the band so special. Kerry has the ability to sound as sweet as honey or as powerful as a tropical storm.
Overall, the Kerry Kenny Band is a musical force to be reckoned with, and their album is a testament to their undeniable talent and creativity."
- Andrea Caccese, thebandcampdiaries.com
PINING TIME
She brings musical experience from across the world to one of the best ways you can spend 55 minutes this year.
"What I love about this work is that, if I hadn’t met Kerry Kenny, I would be unsure where her music originated from. Is she from New Orleans? Nashville? Dublin? Memphis? Los Angeles? She brings musical experience from across the world to one of the best ways you can spend 55 minutes this year.
"Pining Time" is the newest record from the dynamic and powerful Kerry Kenny Band. Led by Kerry's powerful, playful guitar work and vocals, this dynamic record takes the listener across a surprising and refreshing spectrum of musical talent and expert songwriting. Kerry surrounds herself with high-caliber inventive musicians who help bring her vision to light. Mark Grasso keeps time with inventive and adaptable drums & percussion, building a percussive foundation that allows the amazing John Ruffi to dance on with his tastefully precise guitar virtuosity. Joe Biglin brings the funk with the piano, melodica, and hammond organ, putting in yet another layer to this delicious experience. Jon Ventre and Paul Kuzik lay on the low end with their brands of bass accompaniment that make this bass-playing reviewer want to strongly shake their hands and learn from their driving and grooving choices. Mark Woodyatt is a feature of the record with his work on the violin. He gives a distinct sound that swings on the sultry Latin tracks, then leaps up and shreds on the rock tracks. His contributions are profound and paint the album in a very special and brilliant light.
The album itself is expertly mixed and mastered by Eric Ritter at Windmill Agency Recording Studios. It is rich, full, and polished from the first note to the last. The mix provides an immersive listening experience on a fine hi-fidelity system, headphones or a factory standard car audio system.
Aside from the mix of musical influences that span continents and time, the thing that stood out to me on the first listen was that while the tracks felt familiar, they were also entirely new. This is a theme across the album, and with multiple listenings, the work still felt new and revealed additional nuances that drive the listener to hit repeat again and again. This is such an important and beautiful part of a great piece of music and it takes a true crafts-person to achieve.
The title track, "Pining Time," will make you sweat on the dance floor, while sultry Latin-flavored offerings like "Good" and "Zapatos" will connect you with music in an almost primal way. Ballads like "Aerosol," "Ali's Song (Daddy)," and "Breathe" are soaring and grand, suitable for arena shows as much as driving at night in the country with the windows down and the volume at 10. Kerry also adds a surprising a cappella element to the flow of the album on the the Celtic-influenced track "Painting the Ruins," with Kerry on bodhran. The massive cinematic track, "Vultures," is a psychedelic showcase masterpiece, yet another unexpected and outstanding achievement. The album closes with "Boil That Cabbage Down," which warms your heart in a very specific way, featuring Kerry at 4 years old singing with her father."
-Dave Maxwell, Dynamic Bloom LLC - Brand and Domain Management, Bloomsburg, PA