Chartattack CD Review (July 2009) 4.5/5  link

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.

By Bianca Marcus

New York Villager Show Preview (June 2009) link

For years, our neighbors up north have been sending us some of America's most beloved comedians. This summer, though, they're giving us the gift of music - in the form of a band we just might not send back. Canada's Violent Kin is moving to NYC for the summer - and taking up residency at Fontana's (105 Eldridge Street) for a series of concerts ($7; 9:00p.m., July 1st, 8th, 15th). They'll also perform a July 30th Midnight show ($8 admission) at Arlene's Grocery (95 Stanton Street). For a sneak preview of what you've been missing - and what you're likely to see this summer, go to www.myspace.com/violentkin. Access "Electrons" from their "available soon" CD "Bitter Blood" and discover what deserves to be a stateside summertime hit.

Philadelphia City Paper (June 2009)

"...it's dreamy, catching, spooky rock and roll. Sounds as good as they look."

By Patrick Rapa

The Ryan O'Riain22 Web Blog (June 2009)

"So here are a few sassy Saskatonians well worth bathing your brains with and all perfect for deeply dousing the audial lobes." "The Ting Tings may well have been one of the most original and biggest attitude laden bands to have emerged from the UK in the last couple of years - but if I were them I'd be decidedly worried after witnessing the raw talent of Violent Kin." "So keep an eye out for the summer tour and an ear out for a band that we'll all be hearing a lot from and of in the future..."

Edmonton Vue (June 2009)

As the name suggests
These two will tear you apart
Like sibling bear cubs

By Whitey Houston