Sound: Upon first listen, The Kills debut album "Keep On Your Mean Side" sounds like a loud collection of lo-fi garage punk songs. Which is exactly what it is. The Kills use a drum machine instead of a living drummer. However, they use it sound like a drum machine instead of attempting to replicate real drums.
Jamie Hince (also known as Hotel)can be heard prominently all over the album, playing blues riffs over he and Alison Mosshart's (VV) punk voices.
The Lo-Fi recording equipment used for this album works great, especially for a band like this. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics have always seemed on the repetitve side. Songs like "Cat Claw" and "Kissy Kissy" repeat the same couple of phrases throughout the entire song. But, the vocals and guitar are always in sync which each other, producing a very solid sounding album throughout.
As for the vocal skills of the two, Mosshart is known for her sultry vocals and they're put to good use here. Hince has a very quiet voice, and mostly sings in the background. // 7
Impression: The Kills may not be the most unique band so to say, but they are definitely a great one. My favorite tracks off the album are "Superstition", "Kissy Kissy", and "Wait". I love the excellent sound on this album and both Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart's vocals and I only the repetition of the lyrics throughout the songs. If stolen, I would buy it again but probably not immediatly.
Definitely check this one out, it's a good blues punk album. // 8
Was this review helpful to you? 
