Music
Press
The Kin’s sound initially could be described as a cross between Nick Drake and Bjork. It’s folksy but has a rather vast, expansive and textured arrangement that lures listeners in. The band uses this as a hook into the U2 or Coldplay-lite “Nowhere to Now Here”. At the same time, The Kin uses a light, moody approach to “Together” that resembles The Editors attempting a Keane cover. Most of this material comes off quite nicely, although some filler-ish moments come during the aptly coined “Interlude (Photographs)” which sounds just like, well, an interlude. The only problem with the album is that going down this same road can result in hitting a few potholes as is the case with “Great Divide” that recalls a Bic-lighter ballad by Queensryche or Dream Theater. The highlight here might be “See” which has a certain bite to it despite the light-hearted melody. However after listening to the gorgeous, Gabriel-esque “The One”, one realizes this is the one true jewel among a sea of above average material. - Jason MacNeil, Popmatters
Discography
"Rise and Fall"
August 2008
"Live at The Pussy Cat"
October 2006
"Black EP"
September 2005
"Red EP"
April 2005
"Tracing"
May 2004
Photos
Bio
The Kin's music is a layered experience combining raw passion and the poetic. The New York Times describes them as "bombastic," TimeOut NY calls their music "soulful," and Billboard Magazine raves, "The Australian siblings have a radiant gift for songwriting and performing...hearing their partnership is a humbling experience."
Being so close and having musical genes has certainly contributed to their spectacular songwriting. In addition to their voices blending so smoothly, they have a “kindred” spirit and vision in their creative process. “The songs just come out of us,” Isaac mused. With the two of them seldom disagreeing about their musical choices, their songs sort of write themselves. The songs have an ethereal, almost epic feeling to them, that there is something much more profound than mere love ballads or folk rock tunes. The brothers insist they have no agenda to promote, only to create a blank canvas on which their listeners can project their own emotions. “Each person gets something different out of them,” says Thorry. “They are not political or even spiritual. They're about being human.” Isaac adds, “We want people to be uplifted, to feel a heightened sense of self."
Whatever it is, it's definitely paying off. They are selling out box offices regionally from Boston to Washington DC. Their songs are also featured on both commercial, specialized programming (Q104.3 NY, 104.7 MA, WMMR) in addition to independent radio stations (WZBC Boston, XM Radio.) Between touring, grassroots promotion, and the support of independent stores across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, The Kin has developed a solid underground following and sold over 12,000 units independently.
What's most striking is how incredibly approachable and compassionate they are. In addition to entertaining audiences, The Kin use their music to raise money for worthy causes such as the Save Darfur Coalition and the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club. Not to mention their extreme good looks and charisma have helped win the intense loyalty of several hundred fans, most of which have stuck by them for the past 3 or more years. One fan/friend remarked, “They not only look beautiful, they're beautiful inside.”
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