Punk blues: The Kills keep it on the mean side for Magic Stick appearance

The Kills are a swampy garage punk blues duo (try saying that a dozen times...) formed by American vocalist Alison Mosshart and British guitarist Jamie Hince. It was apparently lovers rock at first sight for these two London-based alleged organic vegan foodies who do interviews while chain smoking in bed (don't try this at home, folks).

In 2001, Mosshart and Hince showcased their new songs on a well received demo tape, and shortly after they recorded their debut release, the Black Rooster EP. But it was the 2003 full length, Keep on Your Mean Side (recorded at London's Toe Rag studios, where the White Stripes recorded Elephant), that started to get the world's attention. No Wow, which featured the deliciously titled "I Hate the Way You Love," followed two years later.

The Kills recorded No Wow and the band's new LP, Midnight Boom, at the Key Club, a studio in Benton Harbor getting raves from plenty of musicians, including Detroit's ADULT. and Ann Arbor-based NOMO, both also in action this lively week in the D.

The Kills are at the Magic Stick, Wednesday (May 7). Doors at 8 p.m. For tickets and more info go here.