Cortney Harding, N.Y. London-based rock duo the Kills thought they could cope with recording their latest record in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, but gave up after only a few weeks and split for the wilds of Benton Harbor, Mich. The far-flung studio had served as their home when they recorded their previous album, 2005’s “No Wow,” and the pair quickly realized that they needed to be in the middle of nowhere to make their music.

“There were no distractions, and that provides room for creativity,” says singer Allison Mosshart. “We had to invent things to do, and that kept us on our toes.” The result of that creativity is “Midnight Boom,” due March 18 via Domino. The band worked with Spank Rock producer Alex Epton (aka Armani XXXchange), to try and create a grittier, fuller sound. The Kills also drew inspiration from unlikely sources, such as a documentary about urban youth in the ’60s.