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Jan 15, 2025 By Andy Von Pip Photography by Natalie Hewitt

Los Angeles-based rock band Kills Birds unveil their new EP Crave, set for release on April 11 via Lucky Number. The announcement comes with the blistering new single “Madison,” out now alongside a Sims-inspired visualizer.

Discussing “Madison,” Kills Birds reveal, “The inspiration for Madison came during a North American tour with Sleigh Bells. While playing San Francisco, a storm trapped us in an underground Airbnb with no power. As the rain poured down, we began sketching out the melodies and chords. The gloomy weather and being in a basement felt deeply nostalgic, evoking memories of Nina and Jacob’s Midwest upbringing. That sense of nostalgia infused the song. Lyrically, it explores themes of adolescence on the edge of adulthood, highlighting a pivotal moment in Nina’s childhood when a tragic event fractured her sense of safety and comfort. As we expanded and deepened the arrangement as a band, it became clear that the song would be sort of the centerpiece of our upcoming EP.”

Crave, produced by Aron Kobayashi Ritch (Momma, Been Stellar), marks Kills Birds’ first release since their 2021 sophomore album Married and their debut for Lucky Number. The EP features five tracks, including 2024 single “Behind.”

Fronted by Nina Ljeti—a Bosnian Canadian filmmaker —Kills Birds’ raw, visceral performances are powered by Jacob Loeb’s searing guitar work, Fielder Thomas’ pounding basslines, and the recent addition of drummer Griffin Kisner. Their self-titled debut (2019) showcased a grunge-inspired sound and unflinching lyrics, while Married (2021) elevated their profile, recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 with Yves Rothman. The band toured with Foo Fighters, Sleigh Bells, Shame, and Viagra Boys following the album’s release, cementing their reputation for electrifying live shows.

Kills Birds are Nina Ljeti (vocals), Jacob Loeb (guitar), Fielder Thomas (bass), and Griffin Kisner (drums).

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