DUFFY is the new name of the Duffy Brothers' latest four-piece band.

The Leigh-based brothers have just put the finishing touches to a 12 track CD recorded by veteran local producer John Kettle.

Lead singer and keyboardist, Conal Duffy has a strong voice reminiscent of Lee Mavers of The Las and Bob Mould from Husker Du and Sugar. Conal has a good range and his singing style is confident and well-assured.

Along with guitar-playing brother Kevin, this pair exhibit some impressive call-and-response vocal harmonies on a few of the tracks, most notably 'Yoko Ono.'

Unlike Oasis, both brothers can sing well!

Conal pens solid, authentic lyrics that have a ring of truth, telling of relationships and loss. One great line in track nine, 'Join In' offers some good advice: "You don't have to face the world alone".

Songwriting-wise, Duffy's music is very melodic, full of hooks and easy on the ear. Track 6, 'Soccer AM', is very catchy and up tempo with some wry observations on life.

There's also outstanding drumming courtesy of Norman Cook (not Fatboy Slim!). His powerful, rhythmic precision is captured well by John Kettle's crystal-clear production.

While most of the songs are quite gentle, easy-going, melodic rock, a couple of tracks on the album reveal a more driving, harder edge. In particular, last track 'Cold' builds an impressively dark, sinister mood full of eerie atmosphere.

Duffy's album is available at Butterflies Coffee Shop, the George & Dragon pub and the Sky Bar in Leigh.

Check 'em out!