Brand new album from Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams as new duo, State Of The Union. Features their cover of Pet Shop Boys "Rent" & more.

In the grand tradition of 'The Special Relationship', State Of The Union combines the talents of American Blues guitarist Brooks Williams and cult English songwriting legend Boo Hewerdine.

Tapping into a multitude of influences, from Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to Blind Lemon Jefferson, the wide open Fenlands and the frenetic buzz of London, State Of The Union is a masterclass in songwriting and understated production.

When Williams was called in at the eleventh hour to replace the billed Special Guests at Boo's annual Ely Christmas charity concert due to the bad weather of 2010, the seeds for State Of The Union were sown. The chemistry between the duo was undeniable as a torrent of creativity was unleashed over the summer in Boo's living room. Making rough demos on their iPhones, the decision was made to record the songs proper at the 3Kyoti Studio in Glasgow with Mark Freegard (Pete Townshend, Eddi Reader, Del Amitri).

A week was booked, but just as the songs had flowed so freely, the pair cut the entire album in a mere one and half days, recording the songs in the order they appear on the album. This debut recording is intimate and captivating, like a concert delivered in your living room, just two talented friends, two guitars and a handful of great songs.

Opening track 'Darkness', a slice of dusty Americana, sees Williams' smooth vocals riding on top of his slick, slide guitar playing. Conjuring images of a battered frontiersman returning home, the song is a masterpiece of concise story telling. '23 Skidoo' by Hewerdine is a wryly humorous look at the bittersweet nature of life, no sooner have you got a grip on things and you're forced to move on.

With a sharp turn, the pair's take on 'Ren't flips the Pet Shop Boys' song on its head, taking the electro-pop original and dressing it in wiry acoustic guitar, with Hewerdine's voice bringing an aching honesty to the lyrics. Whether it's authentic Americana, delicate ballads, reimagining modern pop or a new take on the classic standard' Peg and Aw'l the union of Williams and Hewerdine is in a wildly creative state, producing one of the New Year's must-have albums.