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The Kills

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Band Timeline

2001

Formation of The Kills

The Kills, an English-American rock duo consisting of American singer Alison Mosshart and English guitarist Jamie Hince, formed in 2001. Before forming The Kills, Mosshart was involved in the punk band Discount, and Hince played in bands like Scarfo and Blyth Power. They met during a UK tour and bonded over their mutual desire to create minimalist rock music. They began exchanging music ideas via tape recordings, leading to the official formation of The Kills. Initially known by the stage names VV and Hotel, they chose the name The Kills as it evoked a timeless and versatile band identity.
2002

Debut EP Release and Early Recognition

In 2002, The Kills released their debut EP, Black Rooster, on Domino Records, marking their first official recording as a duo. The EP garnered attention for its raw and minimalist garage rock sound, characterized by gritty guitar and Mosshart's distinctive vocals. This release helped establish their presence in the indie rock scene, and they started touring internationally. The early sound and edgy performances attracted comparisons to other garage rock revival bands, although The Kills carved out their own unique style.
2003

Debut Album: Keep On Your Mean Side

The Kills recorded their first full-length album, Keep On Your Mean Side, mostly at Toe Rag Studios in London, where The White Stripes had also recorded their Elephant album. Released in 2003, the album featured a mix of minimalist, gritty rock songs recorded primarily on 8-track within two weeks. It included tracks like "Wait" and "Fried My Little Brains," which showcased their dark, garage-punk influenced style. The album reached number 47 on the UK Albums Chart and helped solidify their reputation in the UK and US indie scenes. Their intense live shows and Mosshart's charismatic but often detached stage presence became defining elements of their identity.
2005

Second Album: No Wow and Artistic Evolution

The Kills released their second studio album, No Wow, on February 21, 2005, through Domino Records. This album displayed a shift towards a more art-punk and post-punk sound, with a stripped-down approach more focused on atmosphere and mood rather than guitar rock. Originally intended to be performed on Moog synthesizers, they adapted the sound after damages to their instrument and leaned into a sparser, more experimental production style. No Wow charted in both the UK and the US, marking their growing international reach. The limited edition version included a 40-minute documentary, "I Hate the Way You Love," offering fans insight into their creative process.
2008

Third Album: Midnight Boom and Growing Popularity

Midnight Boom, The Kills’ third studio album, was released in 2008 and became their breakthrough record in terms of international recognition. The album featured more diverse influences, including blues and funk elements, layered with their characteristic minimalist rock style. Midnight Boom charted in nine countries, including their first entry on the US Billboard 200 (peaking at number 133). Singles like "U.R.A. Fever" and "Future Starts Slow" received substantial airplay, increasing their fanbase globally. The band supported the album with extensive touring, further establishing themselves as key figures in the indie rock revival movement.
2011

Fourth Album: Blood Pressures and Continued Success

In 2011, The Kills released their fourth studio album, Blood Pressures. Continuing their evolution, this album embraced a more polished production style while retaining the raw intensity and dark vibe of their earlier work. Blood Pressures continued to chart well in the UK and expanded the band's international audience. The album's themes explored emotional tension and relationships, set against driving rhythms and catchy melodies. The band continued to tour extensively, maintaining their reputation for engaging live performances that combined energy with a cool, enigmatic stage presence.
2016

Fifth Album: Ash & Ice and New Directions

The Kills released their fifth studio album, Ash & Ice, in 2016. This album marked a continuation of their musical experimentation, incorporating richer instrumentation and more varied textures. Ash & Ice reached the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart, signaling sustained commercial success more than a decade after their debut. The album’s release was followed by tours that showcased their dynamic live energy and musicianship. Ash & Ice reaffirmed The Kills’ status as influential figures in indie rock, blending their signature minimalist approach with new sonic explorations that kept their sound fresh and relevant.

Albums

the-kills_1st_album
Keep on Your Mean Side
12 tracks
2003
the-kills_2nd_album
No Wow
11 tracks
2005
the-kills_3rd_album
Midnight Boom
12 tracks
2008
the-kills_4th_album
Blood Pressures
11 tracks
2011
the-kills_5th_album
Ash & Ice
13 tracks
2016
📷
No Image
God Games
12 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Alison Mosshart

2000

Jamie Hince

2000

Story of The Kills

The Kills, the acclaimed English-American rock duo, are a force to be reckoned with. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Alison "VV" Mosshart (USA) and the sharp guitar work of Jamie "Hotel" Hince (UK), theyve carved a significant niche in the alternative rock landscape. Signed to Domino Records, their distinctive sound has propelled them to success, with their first four albums – *Keep on Your Mean Side*, *No Wow*, *Midnight Boom*, and *Blood Pressures* – all charting in the UK. Their fifth studio album, *Ash & Ice*, released in 2016, further solidified their position, reaching the UK Albums Charts top 20.

Before their 2001 formation, Mosshart and Hince each honed their skills in other bands. Mossharts raw energy was previously unleashed in the punk rock outfit Discount, while Hince contributed to acts like Scarfo and Blyth Power. Their collaboration began serendipitously; a chance meeting in London during Discounts UK tour, where Mosshart was staying in an apartment below Hinces, led to an undeniable creative spark. Mossharts persistence paid off, convincing Hince to form a band. He even provided her with a four-track recorder, encouraging her to compose music in addition to lyrics while touring. The exchange of musical ideas, initially through tapes, laid the foundation for the unique sound that defines The Kills.

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