NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
It’s been almost eight years since the Kills embarked on a major tour. After touring in support of their fifth studio album “Ash and Ice” in 2016, it makes sense that the duo, made up of Alison Mosshart (vocals) and Jamie Hince (guitar), are finally back on the road after releasing their sixth record “God Games” in October 2023. Their latest music displays the continuing evolution of their sound, resulting in a more sedate record with less of the searing or fuzzy guitar that we’re used to. We were excited to see how the new record translates to the stage!
Opening for the Kills were LA-based garage band the Paranoyds. The quartet, with childhood friends Lexi Funston (guitar) and Laila Hashemi (keyboards), Lexi Funston (vocals/bass), and David Ruiz (drums), blew through a frenetic set, opening with the searing guitar of “Face First” from their 2019 studio album “Carnage Bargain”. Throughout the set, Ruiz’s frantic drumming came to the forefront, more so than on the records. With the rhythm section forming the backdrop, either guitar or keys would take control of the melodies. Their role as opening band for the Kills’ “God Games” tour ends this week in NYC so catch them while you can!
Setlist
Face First
Lizzie
Glass
Rita Lynn
Freak Out
Courtney
Girlfriend Degree
Egg Salad
Destructive Banter
Rat Boy
Bear
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The Kills took the stage to little light but lots of smoke. I got shivers right away as the strains of the dual guitars took us immediately back to 2003 with “Kissy Kissy”. They then brought the fierce guitar of “U.R.A Fever” before hitting us with four songs from “God Games”. Remember I said something about this record being a bit “sedate”. Forget I said that. Performing these songs live brought out all the rough edges of this amazing band. When Mosshart wasn’t in front of the mic, she would pace non-stop back and forth on the stage while Hince guitar produced a wall of sound towards the front. The rest of their twenty song set was much the same, with the growl of Hince’s guitar and the snarling vocals from Mosshart. I would use “growl” to also describe Hince’s vocals, a perfect complement to Mosshart. It’s incredible how music evokes memories and the Kills perfectly epitomizes the post-grunge rock of London and NYC in the 2000s. They will be touring the US for three more weeks before heading to the UK and EU in May and August. Come on out so the Kills can also take you back!
Setlist
Kissy Kissy
U.R.A. Fever
Love & Tenderness
103
Going to Heaven
Wasterpiece
Tape Song
Baby Says
Kingdom Come
Black Balloon
God Games
Fried My Little Brains
LA Hex
New York
Doing it to Death
Future Starts Slow
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Better Days
No Wow
Sour Cherry
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