Richard BodinThe early 2000s saw a resurgence of rock bands drawing heavy inspiration from the 1970s and early 1980s. Among this wave, The Kills—comprising two members, VV (Alison Mosshart) and Hotel (Jamie Hince)—emerged as a standout act. Much like The White Stripes, their minimalist setup of guitar and drums produced a raw, impactful sound.
Their debut album, Keep On Your Mean Side (2003), packed a punch. Heavily influenced by The Velvet Underground, the duo’s sparse instrumentation felt rich and complete, with a mix of driving, rhythmic tracks and haunting psychedelic ballads. The alternating vocal duties between VV and Hotel added a dynamic interplay that kept the album engaging from start to finish.
No Wow: A Darker but Flawed Follow-Up
Their sophomore album, No Wow (2005), marked a shift towards a more introspective, tortured exploration of themes—especially love, as reflected in tracks like Love Is a Deserter and I Hate the Way You Love. However, the album’s overall impact faltered. Built heavily on repetitive drum-and-guitar loops, many tracks lacked the punch and variety of the debut. The lyrics, often repeated, compounded the sense of monotony.
Notably, Hotel’s vocal contributions were scaled back, with VV handling the majority of the lead vocals. This shift, while highlighting VV’s intensity, stripped the album of the vocal dynamic that had added depth and variety to their debut.
The title track, No Wow, kicks off the album with a promising rhythmic pulse and bassline reminiscent of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Yet, like much of the album, it quickly begins to feel repetitive and directionless.
Standout Tracks Amidst the Repetition
Despite its flaws, No Wow offers a few moments of brilliance:
- Dead Road 7: A brief yet compelling ballad that introduces changes in rhythm and tone, standing out as one of the more varied tracks on the album.
- I Hate the Way You Love – Part 1 & Part 2: The first part features electrifying instrumentation, breaking away from the typical guitar-and-drum loop with rich dynamics, including riffs, tempo shifts, and breaks. The second part takes a starkly different approach—moody, atmospheric, and heavily influenced by The Velvet Underground. The phrase “I Hate the Way You Love” is hypnotically repeated over a dreamy soundscape, creating a striking contrast between the two halves.
- Rodeo Town: The album’s hidden gem, this psych-tinged ballad contrasts sharply with the rest of the record. Its smoother rhythm, tear-inducing melody, and soft, chant-like riff provide a refreshing change of pace and elevate the album’s overall quality.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
While Keep On Your Mean Side showcased The Kills’ potential for variety and raw power, No Wow feels like a step backward—almost monotonous. Thankfully, the few standout tracks manage to hold the listener’s attention when the album begins to lose its grip.
Though No Wow may not have lived up to the promise of its predecessor, it still holds glimpses of The Kills’ ability to blend emotional intensity with their minimalist aesthetic, leaving fans hopeful for greater things in future releases.
