The Kills have shared their first release since last year’s ‘Non-Electric’ EP.
The Anglo-American duo, comprised of Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart, have returned with a cover of Saul Williams‘ ‘List Of Demands (Reparations)’. The New York musician, poet and actor originally released the track in 2004.
In a press release, Mosshart described the track as “a song of strength and empowerment, rooted in the idea of rising above”. “It was one of those songs you’re almost scared to cover because it carries so much respect,” she said. “It wasn’t a straight up love song or a drug song. It was defined, serious, and perfect already. With certain songs you feel like an intruder trying to sing them, but this one felt like my own.”
Hince added the song was “so impactful” to the band. “It was the kind of song that would come on backstage and everyone would stop what they were doing and stand up,” he said. “The more I found myself listening to the lyrics, the more I heard in them, and found myself singing along with goosebumps. The brilliant thing about it is that it speaks to so many different ideas – a true underground thing like the best Iggy Pop songs.”
Williams has responded to The Kills’ version of his track, saying he was “honoured”. “I liked The Kills before they chose to cover ‘LOD’,” he said. “If they can feel themselves in that song, it’s because they are as much a part of it as I am.”
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The band have also shared a cover of Peter Tosh’s ‘Steppin’ Razor’, which you can stream above. The have also confirmed US, Russian, and European shows, including a date in Los Angeles on August 13 where they will be joined by Williams. The Kills will also support Foo Fighters on their European tour this summer, including at London’s Olympic Stadium on June 23.
Last year, Hince confirmed the band was planning on releasing a series of standalone singles. “Thank god, now it’s not all about albums,” he told NME. “Putting stuff out is a lot easier than it used to be. Labels would not see any point in putting a standalone single out or an EP. That’s really changed now.”