The kindest people
BIO
Formed in July 2015 by longtime friends Matthew Sykes and Spencer Otey, The Kindest People began as a one-off project for a single weekend of shows. Ten years, seven albums, and two EPs later, The Kindest People have solidified their place in the Appalachian music scene, delivering their own distinctive brand of DIY rock and roll.
Blending modern pop sensibilities with a deep appreciation of 60's garage rock and the spirit of 90's alternative, The Kindest People have crafted an extensive catalog of albums and content that showcases their versatility as artists. Their first release, 2016's Versions EP, brims with infectious surf-rock vibes, drawing from Matthew and Spencer's collaborative songwriting roots in high school.
In 2017, the band released their debut full-length album, Idle Revival, a concept album inspired by the events of the Heaven's Gate cult that tells the story of a man and his attempt to escape. In 2018, the band released the follow-up to their first EP, aptly titled Versions II, abandoning the surf-rock-inspired sounds of the initial EP in favor of a rowdier alt-rock sound.
Continuing their penchant for thematic songwriting, the band released their sophomore album, Observations from the Alternate, in 2019. This concept album invites listeners on a more introspective journey, examining the consequences of choice through a look into alternate timelines.
Despite the challenges of quarantine in 2020, The Kindest People entered their studio and released two full-length albums. First was Companions, an ode to friendship with a touch of Appalachian and blues influences in the music. This was followed up by Director's Cut, a sci-fi-inspired concept album told from the perspective of a filmmaker during the creation of his latest movie.
In 2021, the band released the eponymous The Kindest People. This marked a shift in the band's songwriting approach, shedding their usual concept-driven music in favor of a more reflective and personal style. This was followed up by Barriers in 2023, a perfect blend of everything that makes the band so unique. Combining a loose concept around an even more personal set of songs, Barriers takes a look at the metaphorical walls we build around ourselves and the actions we can take to help tear those walls down.
All throughout 2024, the band has released an eclectic set of singles that continue to show just how diverse their sound can be. These tracks, along with others, will be appearing on their new album, Face, in April 2025. Face shows every side of The Kindest People and works as a thesis statement for those who are new to the band, and a journey through their sound for longtime listeners.
Whether you're spinning one of their many albums or experiencing the electrifying energy of their live shows, one thing is certain—it's always a good time in the company of The Kindest People.
Press
"Powerhouse vocals soar and cut through the track, absorbed by a rocking drum feel and tight-as-hell guitar lines, The Kindest People have struck the nail directly on the head here, creating celebratory and epic rock beauty. “Making Out” is just one of the many highlights from their recent LP, Barriers." - Glide Magazine
"The effervescent arrangement has such depth to it, the rhythm section always having something worthwhile of their own to say even when the breezy riffs are in the spotlight. The earnestness of the vocals, and the fabulous way they’re layered, delivers such a larger-than life feeling." - Belwood Music
"Technically this is about as solid as an album can get. With an exquisite mix, this album comfortably hits all the right notes and tones for this style of music." - Rock Hand Records
"The fact is that we’re starved for pretty melodies and great arrangements. The Kindest People fill that faux-Beatle void for me with their gorgeous, lo-fi Ride Passenger. It’s the kind of vocal melody that could end up haunting the band. The pinnacle of a pop group, the start of something great, or the start of a new Beatles in drag myth?" - ALT 77
"You might get dizzy from the tightly wound jammy center and whirlwind edges that at their most wild feel like a hoard of 8 year olds high on pixie sticks. It is wonderfully unruly throughout and the shouty vocal aesthetic sort of feels like an amped up version of Modest Mouse" - American Pancake