Customer Reviews

THE UPside

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would love to write a review full of wordy metaphors and flowery praise. To be honest, I'm listening to the album non stop and I don't want to take the time. This is the time where you don't preview anything and just BUY IT. I know my friends will. You won't be disappointed.

When I first heard The Kin almost a year ago, I knew I was hearing something special. The song "Abraham" from their first album Rise & Fall literally had me in tears and "Together" just about blew me over with its powerful instrumentals and lyrics. Now with THE UPside, brothers Thorry and Isaac have proven they are the real deal.

This album is a little reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie's Plans, only The Kin does it better. The musicality explodes onto the scene with "Waterbreaks," a classic Kin sound that fans will recognize and love. And they once again brought me to tears with "Never Be the Same." Yet the music doesn't fall into complacency but pushes these musicians with funk-inspired songs like "One Thing" and "New York."

The only disappointment for me came from "Waking Up Shining," which falls a little short with it's pop beat and psychedelic electronics, making it a bit of a let-down for the last song on the album. But I'll forgive them for that because the rest of the album is too good to give this anything but five stars.

The Kin have cornered the market on amazing harmonization and great song writing; however, they don't hide behind their proven harmonies. They aren't afraid to mix electronics with acoustics or sing solo to highlight those totally clear moments when their voices combine for perfection.

These Aussies turned New Yorkers are more than just pretty faces with a grassroots following--they are musicians with the consistency, creativity and beauty to prove they will only move up from here. I got shivers down my spine listening to this album, and now I can't wait to see what this duo comes up with next.

The UPside is a well suited title for an album that will uplift you and inspire you to want to "fight for my life, for the up, for the Upside". I think that The UPside is The Kin's best work ever. I knew that Isaac and Thorry Koren were brilliant before I heard The Upside but this album solidified it for me. The Koren brothers have raised my expectations of music and they have never disappointed me. The Kin write music that has meaning and inspires their listeners to think and feel. They are on an internal journey and they invite their audience to take it with them. Don't just listen to the songs, read the lyrics as well.

The UPside contains beautiful ballads such as the title track, "The Upside" and "Never Be The Same" but it also has great rock songs like "Waterbreaks", which we all have waited way too long for them to release, "You & I", and "One Thing".

"Never Be the Same" also brings me to tears, as the adult man has a heart to heart talk with the little boy inside of him and the child responds with such succinct advice: "die before you die."
I have also had the pleasure of hearing all of these songs live. Not only would I highly recommend that you buy this CD but if at all possible get to one of their shows.

The brothers truly have beautiful voices and harmonize so well together. They always compel themselves and each other to produce the best music and never be complacent. Unlike any other band that I have heard The Kin perform ballads, rock songs, acoustic, jazz and solos all with absolute perfection, both live and recorded.

I heard about The Kin from my roommate who loved their music. After listening to them for a couple of months, I was excited to see them perform live in NYC. Their live show sounds better than their albums! This newest album has many of the classic harmonies and amazing guitar and piano, but they add more electronic sounds and a sense of pop with the last track. Regardless of what they do, they blend everything together so well. This album, along with Rise and Fall, will give you hours of listening pleasure!

Little known but awesome performers originally from down under (Australia) The Kin set the standard for vocal harmony and satisfying lyrics.

A good follow up to their previous work, listen a few times as it grows on you.

A fantastic follow-up to the band's debut, The Kin score with THE UPside. It has a more upbeat, vibrant sound than its predecessor, and it works well for the album. Looking forward to album #3!

So far, another great album from The Kin..highly recommend any music from this band, its all good :)

Having followed The Kin for several years now, it was with great anticipation that I purchased their latest album. They did not let me down. While Upside is different from Rise & Fall - you will find more "rock" tunes which takes them back to their roots a bit. These "new" songs are still mixed in with a few softer songs like the beautiful "Time", and their incredible voices and harmonies still shine through. Waterbreaks has been a crowd pleaser at shows for some time - so it is great to finally be able to get a recorded version. In my opinion - it is one of their best songs, showcasing their vocal prowess, as well as their amazing instrumental abilities. The album doesn't quite flow as well as Rise & Fall - the songs do not meld one into the next, but each song by itself is incredible. Highly recommend buying it, and taking a listen. You won't be disappointed.