THE BAND PERRY - "Kill It" - Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

Few country acts have balanced mainstream success and artistic risk-taking quite like The Band Perry. Since breaking onto the scene with hits like “If I Die Young” and “Better Dig Two,” the group has consistently pushed creative boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to storytelling and Southern musical traditions. Now reemerging as a duo featuring Kimberly Perry and Johnny Costello, The Band Perry enters a new chapter with a renewed focus on their Appalachian-gothic roots. Their latest release, “Kill It,” serves as both a powerful statement of identity and a fitting conclusion to the dark, emotionally charged trilogy that began with “PSYCHOLOGICAL” and continued with “Buzzards.”

Produced by Dann Huff and written by Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman, and Sam Backoff, “Kill It” is a haunting country anthem that explores the lingering grip of a love that refuses to die. While the title suggests finality, the song is ultimately about the inability to completely let go. It captures the frustration of carrying feelings for someone long after a relationship has ended, even when every logical instinct says it's time to move on.

From the opening moments, the track establishes an atmosphere that feels cinematic and mysterious. The arrangement is anchored by a traditional blend of fiddle, mandolin, and dobro—an instrumental combination that provides a rich country foundation while amplifying the song’s gothic undertones. These classic sounds intertwine with modern production elements, creating a musical landscape that feels both timeless and contemporary. The result is a sound that honors The Band Perry’s roots while continuing their artistic evolution.

At the center of the song is Kimberly Perry’s unmistakable vocal performance. Her raspy, emotionally charged delivery gives every lyric a sense of urgency and authenticity. Few vocalists can convey vulnerability and determination simultaneously, but Perry accomplishes exactly that throughout “Kill It.” Her voice perfectly embodies the song’s central conflict: the desire to bury lingering feelings while secretly hoping they remain alive.

The emotional centerpiece arrives in the song’s unforgettable hook: “My love’s still alive and kicking / Guess only one of us knows how to kill it.” It is a striking lyric that captures the entire theme of the song in a single moment. Rather than portraying heartbreak as a clean break, the song acknowledges the complicated reality that some emotional connections leave lasting marks. That honesty is what makes the track resonate so deeply.

What makes “Kill It” especially compelling is its refusal to settle for simple heartbreak clichés. The song explores the stubborn persistence of attachment, touching on the emotional push-and-pull that often follows the end of an important relationship. Attempts to distract oneself, numb the pain, or rewrite the story ultimately fail because the feelings remain. It is a relatable sentiment delivered with poetic precision and emotional intelligence.

Longtime fans will likely hear echoes of “Better Dig Two” in the song’s brooding energy and dark-country aesthetic. However, “Kill It” never feels like a retread of past successes. Instead, it feels like a more mature evolution of the themes and sounds that first made The Band Perry stand out. The duo embraces the gothic storytelling that has always lurked beneath the surface of their music while adding the perspective and confidence that comes with experience.

As the final installment in their romantic-goth trilogy, “Kill It” succeeds on every level. It delivers memorable lyrics, stunning vocal performances, and an atmospheric production that rewards repeated listens. More importantly, it demonstrates that The Band Perry’s new era is not about revisiting the past—it is about building upon it. With its haunting melodies, emotional depth, and unmistakable sense of identity, “Kill It” stands as one of the strongest releases of this new chapter and a reminder that The Band Perry remains one of country music’s most creative and compelling acts.

(Review Written By: Chad Carlson)