Kevin Bronson on May 24th, 2020

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While getting itchy to record their second album, members of Kills Birds are coping with isolation in a variety of ways. They share their current work-arounds and future wishes — hugs, touring and … finger-licking — in today’s QUARANTUNES on Buzz Bands LA, along with an eclectic playlist.

THE LATEST FROM KILLS BIRDS

Kills Birds arrived with a bang last fall — here’s their interview with Buzz Bands LA — releasing an explosive debut album of post-punk/noise-rock. The quartet — singer Nina Ljeti, guitarist Jacob Loeb, bassist Fielder Thomas and drummer Bosh Rothman — were making progress on album No. 2 and had some tasty touring plans slated before COVID-19 bugged everyone out. Suffice to say their debut album should remain in rotation if anyone has a case of quarantine stasis.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

Nina Ljeti: I’m in a very creative period right now, so I’m writing and reading a lot. I watched “Game of Thrones” for the first time and now I’m watching “Inuyasha.” Sometimes, I play video games. I’ve been quarantined alone, which is hard. But I have great friends around me, so I’m lucky. Also, I learned to be a better cook, so I’m having a dinner party as soon as this thing is over.

Jacob Loeb: I’m well. Lucky to be safe and mostly secure. Working hard daily to protect my mental/emotional health. Staying away from easy traps: TV, sugar, porn, etc., and maintaining my sobriety. I’ve been focusing my energy on my songs, practicing meditation, exercising and supporting my family and friends, however I can. Very blessed to have my dog with me. He does really well with global meltdowns.

Fielder Thomas: I’m hanging in as well as possible. Playing music and exploring my neighborhood on long walks has really helped. Also, I started playing video games for the first time … but it isn’t really for me, hah-hah.

Bosh Rothman: Meditation has been key, as well as writing new music. I had the opportunity to finish a few tracks and release a new EP with my other band, Living Things, which was tracked by the legendary Steve Albini.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Nina Ljeti: Playing shows again. Seeing the world.

Jacob Loeb: Licking Fielder’s fingers.

Fielder Thomas: I can’t wait to just sit with friends and have a beer, but mostly I’m looking forward to recording new songs and eventually playing them for people.

Bosh Rothman: Tracking the new Kills Birds album and giving my mom and dad a hug.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Nina Ljeti: It’s an eclectic mix of everything we’ve been listening to during quarantine. For me, it’s been a lot of Beastie Boys, Fiona Apple and Aphex Twin.

Jacob Loeb: I’ve been pretty into ambient music, so my contributions are mostly instrumental. A lot of Eno … Leaves space for you to kind of populate the songs with your own narrative/meaning.

Fielder Thomas: It will probably “take you there.”

Bosh Rothman: Bob Dylan’s “Murder Most Foul” has been my personal favorite song of the year.