The Austin-based alt-country trio Next of Kin charmed a KUTX party crowd on Friday at the Rivian Electric Roadhouse. Comprising artists Caelin, Madison Baker, and Lili Hickman, the group brought their boots and denim to the stage, breathing new life into New Americana.
With previous individual careers under each of their belts, Next of Kin was the three artists’ most unexpected and transformative collaboration. Opening with an unreleased song called “Dime Store Jesus,” the trio quickly proved themselves as masterful songwriters and powerhouse vocalists. Finding the harmony seems as natural as breathing for the band, and their blend is truly something special: velvet smooth like pure honey, the kind of sound you wish you could bottle.
Next came “Mean Streak,” a song about wishing you could hate someone who hurt you, but not being able to find it within yourself to. “Now I’m just the ex that helps you move out, takes on the bills and quietly cleans house,” they mused.
Descending into two unreleased songs, “Cross the Line” and one I, regrettably, couldn’t catch the name of, the trio made it clear that they’re steadily building off the success of their first EP, Homemaker. Even for two unknown songs, the audience still attempted to sing and dance alongside the three, unable to ignore the contagious nature of their performance.
Fifth was “Jekyll and Hyde,” the first song the band wrote together. A testament to a relationship’s inconsistent game of give-and-take, it’s clear how writing this song established the group’s style and set the tone for their journey. You can practically hear the magical realization moment when they discovered just how perfectly their voices blend.
“Homemaker” was the second-to-last song, and the titular track of their 2025 EP. Easily the most soulful, evocative performance of their set, the song’s lyrics captivated an emotional audience as the trio recited the poignantly penned line, “I’m not a homemaker, but I house heartbreakers.”
To conclude their stellar set, they performed yet another unreleased song titled “Shame on You,” a fiery, impassioned exit anthem that had everyone moving rhythmically alongside each other. Earning a loud wave of applause, the three thanked their adoring crowd, as well as the KUTX party organizers, whose radio station helped launch the trio’s career. Promoting their upcoming shows before leaving the stage, Next of Kin proved that they are booked, busy and sure to become a mainstay in the current alt-country atmosphere.