::RECAP::The Kin: Jameson and Jokes at The Jammin' Java

::RECAP:: The Kin: Jameson and Jokes at The Jammin' Java

by Agnes Erskine

Sinfully blissed harmonies, soul-piercing percussion, a few spontaneous musical stick-ups and you’ve got The Kin.  Now add to that a bottle of Jameson, a former chauffeur for a “madam’s service”, and the humping of Conan O’ Brien's leg and well, you’ve still got The Kin.  Originally from Adelaide, Australia, The Kin has come quite a long way from “The Land Down Under”, both literally and figuratively. I was given an opportunity to catch up with the trio on their tour bus tucked behind the Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia before their sold out show on Monday night. They recently toured with P!nk and are now headlining the Get On It tour with  featured acts Finish Ticket and Oh Honey, who opened the show with pretty impressive covers of songs like TLC's "No Scrubs." The Kin’s energy off stage was palpable leaving me only to wonder about the magic that would transcend once they channeled that dynamism into melodies. Needless to say, I was in for an amazing experience.

Initially a duo consisting of brothers Isaac (vocals and keyboards) and Thorald Koren (vocals, guitar, and keyboards), their musical union was made even more complete with the addition of New York percussionist Shakerleg (he plays completely by hand, no sticks!) who says he finally joined the band after six years of the Koren brothers pursuing his talents. “I was in the subway, playing for ten years. These guys came by six years later and we knew of each other, back and forth opening for different bands throughout New York…And then they asked me to play with them, I said no. Then they asked me again, they gave me a CD and I listened to the CD at home. I liked it; I thought they’d improved. I added my genius to them and now I’ve actually taken this band from zero to hero.” The camaraderie between the guys is quite clear as they erupt in laughter after Shaker’s honest yet facetiously laced tale of how The Kin went from being a duo to a trio. The band is known for their concept of the“musical robbery”. The idea is one that was uniquely, yet somewhat simplistically formed, Thorald explains: “We love bank robbery movies and shit”. Isaac chimes in, “We wanted to break down the traditional walls of listening. People come to the venue, and they have their expectations. They have their ‘I’m a musician’, ‘I’m a critic’, ‘I’m a fan’”.  

With musical influences ranging from Martin Sexton and Joni Mitchell, to Donny Hathaway and Brian McKnight, versatility and a universal love of music is apparent from the trio. Their most recent EP is titled Get On It and is available for download here. The band took the stage--and the floor-- as they performed to and through the crowd with songs like "Mary", "Boy You're A Pretty Girl", "Everything's Changing", and the EP's title track "Get On It". The group's performance embodied something that music tends to lack today: a presence of passion. Experiencing The Kin live for the first time, I went in without expectations and left with a renewed musical spirit. Dare I say, my ears were indeed musically robbed, and it's a robbery I'd gladly welcome any time.


Aside from the fact that these guys put on a robust show, they remained for hours on end to show each and every friend of their music a bit of appreciation; signing autographs, taking photos, sharing life stories, you name it. But the best part of it all was the organic quality. It won't be long before it's nearly impossible for them to greet each and every fan after each and every show, although I wouldn't put it past them to try. With Isaac and Thorald's smooth harmonies and the heart thumping beats of Shakerleger's drumming, a sold out Madison Square Garden will one day be a dream realized for this trio. Be sure to look out for more from The Kin at TheKin.com and follow them on Twitter for updates.

 

Thank you to Beatrice, Jim Kaminski and the wonderful staff at the Jammin' Java for the access!