After a seven-year hiatus, the American-British duo, The Kills, has made a triumphant return with their latest album God Games. Comprising vocalist Alison Mosshart and guitarist Jamie Hince, The Kills have long been a celebrated name in the indie music scene. Their legacy remains intact as they once again push the boundaries of their music.
The duo announced their return earlier this year, encapsulating their cool, effortless style in a photo taken on the streets of Los Angeles with a muscle car, a signature look for the pair. Their presence has been eagerly awaited, especially as they continue to be one of the few active acts from the early-2000s garage-rock era.
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The last album, Ash & Ice, released in 2016, saw The Kills shedding limitations and transitioning into a louder, less minimalistic sound. With God Games, they’ve taken yet another bold step by embracing grandeur while still preserving the chic edge that fans first witnessed on their 2003 debut album, Keep On Your Mean Side.
The opening track, “New York,” kicks off with a sonic boom, featuring dramatic horns and a sleek guitar riff. Mosshart’s raspy voice adds depth as she lyrically compares a lover to the city that never sleeps, with its constant intensity and the power to either make or break you. “LA Hex” continues the narrative, exploring the drama and fuss on the other coast, with both Mosshart and Hince harmonizing beautifully over warped trumpets and a glitchy beat. The track serves as evidence that The Kills’ signature grit and glamour are still very much alive.
The hiatus allowed the duo to explore uncharted territory, experimenting with elements that wouldn’t have been possible within a stricter timeframe. Tracks like “Love and Tenderness” and “Kingdom Come And Get It” showcase a prominent bass groove, with the latter exuding a Soul Train vibe, making it one of their most unique tracks to date.
In “103” and “Blank,” keys and piano take the forefront, a surprising twist that deviates from their earlier guitar-centric works. God Games focuses on textures and sounds, creating multi-layered, intricate compositions within each track.
This album stands as a testament to The Kills‘ evolution into a new era, one that sees them pushing boundaries and continually adapting their iconic sound. God Games is a grand, edgy comeback, and it reasserts their position as one of the most exciting and innovative acts in the indie music scene.