Date: September 9th 2005

When The Kills walk on to the stage, nobody outright expects a mindblowing performance. Yet then the waifish VV starts stalking around, convulsing as if possessed by the music, while Hotel gazes out smugly, stripping the notes of his guitar, and wide-eyed looks are exchanged within the audience. This is showmanship.

There is an intense energy in the air making the audience feel guilty for just standing and gaping wordlessly. The duo toy with the audience, making it impossible to tell whether they are itching to kiss each other, or about to bang heads until either bleeds. To the disappointment of many, they do neither. To make up for it, they grind their guitars together, the strings wailing in sympathy.

The drum machine thunks and the guitar feverishly tries to keep up during ‘No Wow’ and ‘The Good Ones’, and instead of outright dancing, the crowd stomps their feet while heads bop. ‘Love Is A Deserter’ proves a triumphant finish to the set, and where would it be without some of that irresistible violence and passion? A man, a woman and a drum machine make more noise than anyone would expect them to.

It’s very possible that The Kills upstaged headliners Bloc Party tonight.

Previously published on This Is Fake DIY.