The Killers - Hot Fuss

My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)

The Killers are another band of the growing group of 80s/dance rock revivers. On their debut album “Hot Fuss” they bring a combination of the synthesizer heavy pop of the decade while mixing in contemporary musical elements. There sound is quite possibly the easiest in terms of accessibility, evident in their insanely catchy hit “Somebody Told Me.” Just poppy enough to appeal to a wide variety of listeners while still remaining musically credible. Not that the band exactly pigeon holes them in one specific genre for they flirt with various styles. “All These Things That I Have Done” is an entirely straightforward rock affair that dabbles in soul and gospel music with the repeated lyric “I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier” chanted by the band and a full choir. Tracks like “Andy, You’re A Star” are even reminiscent of the type of brooding, alternative stylings that Marilyn Manson would spew forth, before breaking out into a grand chorus/climax. It may dishearten a rock purist to hear some decidedly poppy tunes such as the lover’s heartbreak tale of “Mr. Brightside” but you have to give the band credit for writing solid songs that keep your interest. Brandon Flowers sounds somewhat similar to Franz Ferdinand’s front man with perhaps a little more radio friendly tone to his voice. Behind him the drumming is unusually intricate for a band of The Killer’s type which is nice to hear. Not matter what you think of the new arrival of the dance rock bands into the mainstream you have to admit that they are far and away better then the current state of popular rock which consists of pop punk and cheesy power riffs. In that sense, The Killers are part of a breath of fresh air into the scene. These bands are the future of mainstream rock.

Key Tracks:

Somebody Told Me
All These Things That I Have Done
Andy, You're A Star