benches unveil dark, compelling new single ‘Kill The Lights’
San Diego-based rock group benches have released their gripping new single ‘Kill The Lights,’ the title track from their forthcoming EP due out May 23.
Cinematic and claustrophobic, ‘Kill The Lights’ explores the mental spiral that comes with trying to outrun your past. Born in a single night of frustration, the track pairs tense instrumentation with lyrical themes of existential dread and fleeting fantasy. GRAMMY-nominated mixer Martin Cooke—who has worked with benches on several past tracks—returns to shape this new release into something sharp and immersive. The result is a song that clings to unease while looking for temporary escape.
Vocalist Anson Kelley shares:
“At its core, the song is about fear. I think it’s a very common feeling to be afraid to make the wrong decision and end up living a life that isn’t in line with what you were hoping for. This song is like an anxiety-driven play-by-play of a worst-case scenario. A life where you made all the wrong decisions and every time you catch a glimpse of the ghost in the rearview, you drive faster in the opposite direction trying to escape it.”
Following a successful tour supporting Inhaler, benches are gearing up to continue their headline run next month, including a hometown stop at San Diego’s Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival and a summer slot at Lollapalooza. With ‘Kill The Lights’ setting the tone, their upcoming EP promises to be a deeper dive into the emotional and sonic complexity the band is quickly becoming known for.
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