reviewed by Michael
With an album name as broad as People one might think that Violent Kin could get lost in their subject matter. Not so here.
Sibling duo Violent Kin released the catchy Velvet Hideout EP last year as a teaser to their debut album, and this album manages to be just as catchy. Spanning thirteen songs, People has the same 80′s vibe with modern sensibilities.
It all starts out with “Law of Attraction” which is an electronic piece that sounds like the beginning of a mixtape. This is more or less a misleading opening, as the remainder of the songs don’t really mimic that sound at all.
The band does well in balancing some of their electronic influences along with the good old electric guitars and drums. As well, Maygen and S.J. balance vocal duties well. Maygen still retains her Blondie-esque quality, while S.J. features a smooth vocal register with the ability to hit high notes and low notes well.
As mentioned earlier, the two do well to address their broad subject of humanity. It’s best addressed in “Certain Disaster” when S.J. sings “It’s another round for the human race/We’re in love with ourselves all over again.” Backed by only an electronic beat that sounds like a bell and some light drums, the short song packs a huge punch and really gets one thinking.
“Human Nature” is a song where Maygen puts things in simple terms. She often repeats “I am a human, you are a human” as well as “Whatever this is it’s us/It’s human nature.”
Aside from statements on humanity, S.J. and Maygen charm in many other ways. The song “Dangerous” is a seriously sexy song featuring Maygen on vocals. The lyrics make her sound both alluring (“Fetch me my whip/You’d better make it quick/I’ll go easier on you if you don’t give me any lip”) and witty (“You like your comedy black/You like your romance dark/But it’s so much worse to be wrapped around my finger”).
“The Honesty” is a song that S.J. shines on, including a part where he harmonizes with his own looped vocals (he also harmonizes with Maygen). He also does well in “Golden Age” which is probably the coolest song on the entire album. It’s got a whole slew of different sounds including both electronic beats and electric guitar solos. The song has an interesting hook: “The memory is gone but the melody remembers.”
There is a whole lot to love on this album, and it’s very rare that a band with an 80′s influence can make music that is easily relevant to people. People will be out September 20th- check out their website for more details.
Top Tracks: “Dangerous”; “Certain Disaster”; “Golden Age”
Rating: Hunting Call (Excellent) +*swoop*
