The Kills at the Danforth Music Hall

Photos by Neil Van

The first time I saw Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince was 12 years ago at Lee’s Palace where as the Kills, they blew me away with their bluesy punk and also left me feeling a little sleazy afterwards, which I really liked.

Last night was my tenth time seeing the band, one of my must-sees when they are in town, giving a preview of their upcoming fifth album, Ash & Ice, due in a couple of weeks.

From the first time I laid eyes on Mosshart I was hooked – an unhinged, neurotic and frantic belter that paced the stage with determined abandon. Along with guitarist Hince the two exuded a sexual chemistry that made that Lee’s show feel like such a voyeuristic experience, albeit exhilarating one.

Things have changed over the years, yet despite this “maturity” The Kills remain a riveting live act, and Mosshart must have the strongest neck in the business with the way she shakes that mane about. The duo’s show has evolved, this time with a touring bassist/keyboardist and drummer that really drove the songs home with an underhanded punch that was the perfect addition and will help in them being more widely appreciated, as they should.

Opening with the killer one-two punch of “No Wow” and “U R A Fever”, the bass was instantly noticeable and really added a muscle I didn’t think was missing. The band performed in front of their most elaborate lighting show I’ve seen them with, not distracting but a trippy accompaniment. And while the sexual chemistry between Hince and Mosshart was gone, they genuinely looked to be having a blast on stage, the peppiest I’ve seen them.

Things bode well for Ash & Ice based on the six songs aired and the reception from the sold out crowd. While new songs generally deflate the energy, these unheard (to me) songs fit right in with the old favourites plucked from all of their albums. Given notable tracks “Hard Habit to Break”, “Heart of a Dog”, “Impossible Tracks” and “Doing It To Death”, this new live presentation and what seems like a second wind in terms of energy, this might be the last we see The Kills in intimate venues.

The rammed crowd was loudly appreciative, beaten into submission by the added bassline. The traditional band set-up well suited the duo and traded cleanliness for weight and it was a nice change to expectations. The additions seemed to add to the volume, at times blistering that the Music Hall’s walls fought to contain.

Winding down with the hypnotic “Pots and Pans” and a heavy “Monkey 23” before returning for a three song encore, the band’s relatively brief 75 minutes left many wanting more, especially given the intensity the entire set was delivered with.