THE KIN

"The Kin blends the atmospheric musical wave of old school U2 and groove pop sensibilities of Duran Duran with the vocal soul of Jeff Buckley. The Kin juxtapose dark melodies with catchy hooks and solid musicianship, garnering comparisons to everything from the Cure to Coldplay." – BMI

Quietly considered one of New York City's most promising independent acts (sold out at the Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge, Joe’s Pub, and Pianos), The Kin’s sound is a dynamic exchange between Australian brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren. These multi-talented musicians not only write their own material, they also play multiple instruments, creating a rare and audibly stunning experience. The duo is currently promoting their fourth album, "Rise and Fall," scheduled to release this Fall on Aletheia Records.

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."

The Koren brothers came to settle in NYC in 2001 and immediately hit the bar and lounge circuit as an acoustic duo. In 2003, they added on a drummer, keyboardist and bassist with whom they produced three albums: "Live at the Pussy Cat" (October 2006), "Black" (Sept. 2005), "Red" (April 2005), and their debut album "Tracing" (May 2004).

The talented siblings first discovered their musical abilities as teenagers. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, they grew up in a musical household (their mother, Madeleine McRae, was a cast member of the original touring production of "Hair".) Thorry, the younger Koren, began studying music at age 10, taking jazz guitar and voice lessons, while Isaac just picked up singing and taught himself to play a Fender Rhodes piano about 4 years ago. It wasn’t until their late teens that they first collaborated on a song together. "We were writing this song as a gift for someone," says Thorry, "and when we started singing it together in harmony, we were like, "Whoa!"

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 Tower Records and 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."

 DEFEND RELEASES

Catalog Number:
DFN80030
Title:
Rise and Fall
Release Date:
October 2007

Track List
01. Nowhere to Now Here
02. Together
03. Rise and Fall
04. Interlude (Photograph)
05. New Day
06. Great Divide
07. Abraham
08. See
09. Romeo
10. Interlude (Waiting)
11. The One
12. Blue on Blue
13. Save Us
14. Desert Rose