Kins Next Big Thing Post Alt-j [album Stream]

Having recently released their debut self-titled album, Kins are producing some top-notch, “icy guitar pop”. With music that could be described as the shoegaze-drone version of 2012 sweethearts, Alt-J, the band’s clever yet minimalist percussive approach and just the right mix of chiming guitars make the album a delightfully appealing listen. These elements, partnered with Thomas’ slightly broken, but strangely powerful, vocals and the band’s careful attention to detail, achieve an even, three-dimensional mix.

Some songs, notably “Love Potion”, hit a fork in the road midway through, and though Kins’ choice of direction is sometimes difficult to anticipate upon first listen, they always find a swift way home. Their previously heard tracks, “Break Ties” and “Post Tropical Storm”, will remind listeners of a more predictable pop sound, but they still serve to neatly arrange the album into a diverse, highly enjoyable package. Despite no longer residing in their homeland Down Under, this is a band who isn’t afraid to name one of their songs after a pair of irrevocably (unattractive) Australian sheep-shearing shoes – “Moccasins”. It’s nice to be reminded of where the Kins’ sound all began.