KIN Sibling Rivalry

Two of T&T’s top bands teamed up for a memorable night of music and good vibes at Casa de Ibiza in Woodbrook last week Thursday night. In fact, the show was such a hit, a repeat performance was “demanded” by fans, at the same venue, last evening. First up on the night was 12 the Band, led by charismatic lead singer Sheldon Holder. Just back from a successful tour of New York, the unit was in fine form.

Holder was in his element, looking fit and fired up, his confidence radiating from the stage. The band played some ten songs from their repertoire, including the title track of their latest album Streets & Avenues, Saga Warriors, Children of the Twilight, Prosper and a cover of Sparrow’s 70s hit, Carnival Woman. They introduced one of their signature songs, Imagination, with John Lennon’s Imagine–but with special lyrics centering on T&T’s impending elections.

The capacity audience regaled 12 with loud appreciation, and more was yet in store. Kin Sibling Rivalry was next up, and turned the energy up even further with their dub-rock sound. The crowd went wild, as the band, who recently returned from a tour of Miami, belted out song after song. Vocalists Kiwan (Kiwi) Landreth-Smith, Michael (Wajang) Abraham, and Adam (Mar) Andrews took turns on lead and back up duties, delivering songs including Trip Into Babylon, Blood a Run, Rain, Cold Love, Walking Across the Sky and Pharoah. Fans sang along and danced the rest of the evening away to the music as Kin rocked out. (GM) - Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Local band Kin off to Miami
Gillian Moore
Published: 12 Dec 2009

Kin Sibling Rivalry performs at Shakers on the Avenue, Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, last Saturday night.
Gillian Moore

After playing together as a band for only five months, roots-rock band Kin Sibling Rivalry is off to perform at the Miami Music Festival. The festival and conference, which started yesterday, is a showcase for emerging artistes and several other artistes from T&T will be attending, including Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne, Nadia Batson and Russel Leonce. The band played last Saturday night at Shakers on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, and their fans came out en masse to ensure they had a proper send-off.

Members Kiwan Landreth-Smith (lead vocals and guitars); Adam “Mar” Andrews and Michael “Wajang” Abraham (vocals); Keshav “Lazabeam” Chandradathsingh (synth); Shyamal Chandradathsingh (bass); and, Keeron Archie (drums) gave a high-energy performance, playing several of their original songs, as well as covers of Dub classics. Though they’ve been performing together for a relatively short time, they each come to the project with years of experience with other bands, such as 3Canal band Cut + Clear Crew, The Generals and Orange Sky. Their name, according to Landreth-Smith, signifies the human family and the state of conflict it now seems to find itself in.

Describing their sound, he says: “We do a form of roots rock. A friend of ours called it Dub rock. I like the Dub rock classification. I think we’ve created our own special blend because the personality of each musician in the band shines through in the songs that we’ve written.” As they head off to Miami, Landreth-Smith is mindful of the mission, which he said is powered by “national pride.” “We want to show that our creative musical talent is a powerful medium in itself, capable of propagating vibrant, modern Trinbagonian culture.

He notes that the venture was made possible by TnT ENT. “They are sponsoring the trip and have secured a 1,000-plus capacity venue to showcase the talents of T&T.” If last week’s show was anything to go by, Kin Sibling Rivalry is good to go, with lots of energy, belief in their songs and a devoted fan base behind them. It’s reflected in Landreth-Smith’s optimism: “Next stop... Miami.” - Trinidad and Tobago Guardian