The Kills have today announced details of a forthcoming new album entitled ‘God Games’, which will hit shelves on 27th October (via Domino Records). The news comes after the release of their acclaimed twin singles ‘New York’ and ‘LA Hex’ the band returned with their first new music in nearly seven years, the dual singles. While the former showcases big riffs and Alison’s signature vocal delivery, the latter evokes a sonic haziness with woozy beats and distorted brass touches.
The Kills have emerged as international rock stars, setting the pace for the genre, shaping this era’s sound, and redefining what rock music can be in the 21st century. They’re the rare force of nature who can tour with Queens of the Stone Age or Guns N’ Roses and light up Coachella. Returning home from the road in 2019, Alison and Jamie commenced writing for what would become “God Games”. However, the old adage, “Make plans, God laughs,” couldn’t have been more apropos.
They arrive alongside accompanying videos directed by Andew Theodore Balasia, each of which epitomises the different atmospheres of the two cities: a powerhouse boxing ring for ‘New York” and an unpolished cityscape for ‘LA Hex’. Artwork for both singles comes courtesy of Alison herself, in the form of customised playing cards.
‘God Games’ will see The Kills – aka Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince – push the boundaries of their sound, across 12 tracks incorporating piano-led instrumentation and electronic and brass touches. To mark the album announcement, the pair have also released a new single – the brooding, climate-conscious ‘103’ (as in Fahrenheit) which arrives accompanied by a Steven Sebring-directed video
Stretching boundaries, Jamie encouraged Alison to “buy this 100-dollar keyboard and try to write.” She added another creative tool to her arsenal, while he tinkered with textures, sounds and “wrote on guitar less than ever,” opting to primarily compose on piano for the first time. This powerful combination of forces gave the album its own sonic identity, a new path forged in the pair’s creative bond.
The Kills decamped to an old church (a bit ironic now isn’t it?) where they recorded with old friend and Academy and Grammy Award-winning producer Paul Epworth [Adele]. “Paul was our very first soundman in 2002,” recalls Jamie. “Since he was with us when we had two amps, a lightbulb, and a couple of mics in a van, it seemed perfect. He knew how far it had come and could trace the thread back.”
the acclaimed duo’s sixth studio LP, and is out in October.
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