Violent Kin @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
Violent Kin's Maygen and S.J. Kardash are kin — siblings, in fact. But don't let the other part of their band name fool you. They're very friendly and gracious and showed no destructive tendencies at all. You might remember them from their former group, The Blood Lines.

Grade: 86

Comment:
Violent Kin weren't originally on my schedule, but I got talking to Maygen during Saint Alvia's performance and decided to return to The Rivoli for their 1 a.m. set. They're an eclectic electro-pop band with keyboards, guitar and live and programmed drums.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Maygen commandeered my notepad, convinced me to come see Violent Kin's set, gave me their Bitter Blood debut CD and came to the Horseshoe for drinks afterward, so her communication skills are excellent. S.J. seemed quieter, but was also well-spoken. These off-stage traits were largely mirrored on stage, where they share vocals, but with Maygen singing more.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Maygen plays keyboards and sometimes prowls around the stage, and S.J. plays guitar. They both wear headphones. The drummer was solid behind the kit and the programmed beats also propelled things along in a set that ranged widely and included some almost metallic moments, '80s and '90s pop elements, funk and a tune that brought back memories of Tears For Fears. The lyrics are darker than you'd expect, but show depth and don't seem out of place.

Sloan's Patrick Pentland made an appearance on guitar on one track, which was a pleasant surprise.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposable Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Maygen will definitely appeal to the boys, while S.J. won over some young women from Illinois who came to Toronto to see Our Lady Peace, so this Saskatoon band have that in their favour along with their musical talents. Their material may have been a bit too all over the place at times, but it makes more sense on the album.

Sarah Kirkpatrick, the organist/singer for rockin' Toronto blues-punk band Catl, was in the audience and digging the show. The small but appreciative crowd demanded one more song, but the sound person didn't oblige.

Violent Kin will make their way from Toronto to a show in New York City and then hit Austin, Texas for the South By Southwest Music Festival next week.

Click here for the CMW 2010 Violent Kin photo gallery.