Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track I Know What I Am was chosen as iTunes' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. The song also appeared in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Another track that was not actually on the album, "Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones with the band John & Jehn.[4] In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather at The Roundhouse in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. In October 2010 they also toured to South Africa to play at the annual Rocking The Daisies festival.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care of His Own"—the first single to be taken from the new album—with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy), who also produced their debut album, and was released on February 21, 2012 in the US, and February 20, 2012 in the UK and Europe.
On 12 April 2012, Channel 4 broadcast a short documentary starring the band. They discuss the formation of Band Of Skulls through to going from working the bars of their hometown to playing music in front of expansive crowds of adoring fans across the globe. It is a rare and intimate insight into the world of Band Of Skulls, focusing of their success and achievements over the years.
On 13 October 2012, Band of Skulls played the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The show was briefly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the front of the stage, including Russell's pedal board, prompting the band to leave the stage while crews dried and moved the affected equipment. The band was able to return and complete their set after about a 10-minute delay.
On 2nd December 2013, the band released the video for "Asleep At The Wheel" - the first track to be shared from their yet unreleased album 'Himalayan'.
In January 2017, it was announced via social media that Hayward had left the band.
Killer
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And as for rivalry well I own it
You can't speak for me
Doing all I can to survive
Don't ask for sympathy, beg to differ
(Don't ask for sympathy, beg to differ)
And as for symmetry I'm irregular
And maybe you (?) to me
(And maybe you (?)to me)
But I get it dead or alive
(But I get it dead or alive)
I'm your favorite enemy
I'm the leader of the pack
Got your heart, got your soul got your back
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
Get out the way if you can't stand the flack
Me and mom we're on a maximum attack
If this was fantasy I'd condone it
But you move so foglessly I'd atone for it
From under bleachers to the windmills of my mind
Seems you protest to much as of lately
(Seems you protest to much as of lately)
We're (?)you (?)and so straightly
(We're (?)you (?)and so straightly)
I'm the beseecher and you are just a matter of time
(I'm the beseecher and you are just a matter of time)
I'm your favorite enemy
I'm the leader of the pack
Got your heart, got your soul got your back
I'm your favorite enemy
I'm the leader of the pack
Got your heart, got your soul got your back
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
Get out the way if you can't stand the flack
Me and mom we're on a maximum attack
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
Get out the way if you can't stand the flack
Me and mom we're on a maximum attack
You have got to face up to the fact this is undeniable
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
(Your soul)
Whoo
Killer, killer, killer
The song "Killer" by Band of Skulls is a rock anthem that celebrates individuality and the power of standing up for oneself. The song's repetitive lyrics "killer, killer, killer" act as a call-to-arms for listeners to embrace their inner "killer," or their inner strength and confidence. The line "I got the recipe thumping on it" portrays the singer's confidence in their ability to succeed and overcome any obstacles in their way. They also claim that they are their own greatest rival and that no one can speak for them.
The verse "If this was fantasy I'd condone it, but you move so foglessly I'd atone for it" suggests that the singer wishes they could ignore the negative actions of a particular individual, but their actions are too egregious to be ignored. The line "Me and mom we're on a maximum attack" showcases the singer's determination to stand up for themselves and their loved ones.
The chorus repeats the lines "I'm your favorite enemy, I'm the leader of the pack, got your heart, got your soul, got your back" and reinforces the idea that the singer is confident and strong enough to lead and protect others. The song ends with the lines "You have got to face up to the fact this is undeniable" which seems to be a message to anyone who doubts the singer's ability to succeed and overcome.
Overall, "Killer" is a powerful and empowering rock song that highlights the importance of confidence, individuality, and standing up for oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the recipe thumping on it
I have found the perfect formula and I am confident with it.
And as for rivalry well I own it
I acknowledge there is competition but I am already ahead.
You can't speak for me
Others cannot determine my actions or words for me.
Doing all I can to survive
I am trying my best to make it through this difficult time.
Don't ask for sympathy, beg to differ
I am not looking for pity, I have a different opinion than you may think.
(Don't ask for sympathy, beg to differ)
Reiteration that I do not want people to feel sorry for me, I have my own view.
And as for symmetry I'm irregular
I do not follow the usual patterns, I stand out from the crowd.
(And as for symmetry I'm irregular)
Reemphasizes how I am different and unique from others.
And maybe you (?) to me
It is possible that I am important to you.
(And maybe you (?)to me)
Could indicate that there is a mutual relationship between us.
But I get it dead or alive
I will do whatever it takes to succeed and survive.
(But I get it dead or alive)
Restates that I am willing to work hard and endure in any situation.
I'm your favorite enemy
I am the person you love to hate or compete against.
I'm the leader of the pack
I am the one setting the pace and tone for everyone else to follow.
Got your heart, got your soul got your back
I have your trust, affection, and support at all times.
(Your soul)
A repetition that stresses the importance of the people's emotions.
Whoo
An exclamation emphasizing that something important or exciting is happening.
Killer, killer, killer
A chant-like repetition of the word reinforces the idea of dominance and success.
Get out the way if you can't stand the flack
If you cannot handle the criticism or intensity, you should leave.
Me and mom we're on a maximum attack
My team and I are giving our all to win and come out on top.
If this was fantasy I'd condone it
If this were a made-up story, I would be okay with it.
But you move so foglessly I'd atone for it
Your confusion or lack of direction makes me feel guilty or regretful.
From under bleachers to the windmills of my mind
From small beginning thoughts to big ideas that keep spinning in my head.
Seems you protest to much as of lately
It seems you are trying too hard to defend yourself from criticism.
(Seems you protest to much as of lately)
Reemphasizes how you appear to be overly defensive recently.
We're (?)you (?)and so straightly
We are opposite and can't see eye-to-eye on things lately.
(We're (?)you (?)and so straightly)
Implies that there may be tension and difference of opinion between us.
I'm the beseecher and you are just a matter of time
I am the one asking for help, and you will inevitably have to face me at some point.
Get out the way if you can't stand the flack
Again, emphasizing that if you can't handle what comes with being around me, you should leave.
You have got to face up to the fact this is undeniable
You need to accept the truth that my dominance and success are unavoidable and inescapable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jameson Torres
Why the hell does this have so many dislikes? This is like the best song I've heard this year...
Jameson Torres
It was a different story when it first came out. I think there was like 50 dislikes and 200 likes, glad to see its changed!
ruffrack
James Lauricella uhhh.... it has only 100 dislikes from more then 1k likes... dafuk
Durgen
James Lauricella totally agree with you mate
Jameson Torres
*the problem with the internet
Decimator
James Lauricella This song blows and if you don't like what I've said, too fucking bad.
Israel López
That riff is so damn good, love this song
bob milker
The song's vibe is so amazing especially the bass riff
RZRS
This is amazing! My head keeps moving left to right and back again in agreement with this slickest riff.
Jazmin Ramirez
AMAZING!! music to my ears <3