Violent Kin — Bitter Blood

Bitter Blood

Independent

Bianca Marcus (CHARTattack)

07/02/2009 3:10pm

Their old group The Blood Lines may have disbanded, but brother-sister duo S.J. and Maygen Kardash are continuing the family theme with their new project, Violent Kin. Their debut album, Bitter Blood, draws on more influences than its simple "pop" tag on iTunes suggests, combining electro with garage rock, acoustic and even funk.

The album's title track is its strongest — think baroque-sounding '70s rock, a la Jack White's The Raconteurs. Boy-girl harmonies and bird noises(!) sweeten the track's repeated refrains.

"Feverish Cold" is gorgeous and melancholy, with echoed drum rolls on timpani, synth-produced wind sounds, and the occasional bell. "Blue Eyes" and "Call You Out ****" feature danceable choruses sandwiched between serious verses. Funky guitar, bass and drums on "Bury Your Secrets" complement layered vocals and dreamy keyboard riffs.

"Let Go And Let God" hearkens back to early '90s lo-fi with its distorted vocals and fuzzy guitars. The track also features a chilling brass solo. The band continue the '90s feel with "No Security" and "Please" — both reminded me of Nada Surf with their poetic lyrics and tender vocals. The record ends with "Electrons," a slow jam that leads to an instrumental climax with a bluesy guitar solo and
more brass.

Bitter Blood is an admirable first record that oozes with sibling synergy. It'll make you want to hit repeat over and over.

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