Music
Wednesday, 03 December 2008 03:12
Written by Ezra Glinter

---

The Killers
Day & Age

If there's one thing The Killers' flamboyantly dressed front man Brandon Flowers definitely has, it's a name that's ripe for pop stardom. That, and his hometown of Las Vegas, whose lavish casinos and glaring neon debauchery perfectly underscore the sing-along synth hooks of The Killers' latest album, Day & Age. Then again, the dandyish singer and keyboardist is also a devout Mormon. So maybe things don't entirely add up. But so what?

The Killers
Day & Age


f there's one thing The Killers' flamboyantly dressed front man Brandon Flowers definitely has, it's a name that's ripe for pop stardom. That, and his hometown of Las Vegas, whose lavish casinos and glaring neon debauchery perfectly underscore the sing-along synth hooks of The Killers' latest album, Day & Age. Then again, the dandyish singer and keyboardist is also a devout Mormon. So maybe things don't entirely add up. But so what?

Either way, there's not much sense digging very deeply for consistent meaning or substance in a band whose appeal lies primarily on the surface. Starting from their wildly successful 2004 debut, Hot Fuss, The Killers have excelled at their own uniquely creamy flavor of dreamy dance rock, whose upbeat beats can be compared to those of Interpol or Franz Ferdinand, but whose shimmering textures and sunny synthesizer wash are all their own.

Which is why it was such a shame when the Killers abandoned over-the-top production and instrumentation for a relatively (well, very relatively) stripped down approach and earthier feel on their second album, 2006's Sam's Town. Flowers may have claimed legendary heartland rocker Bruce Springsteen as a primary influence, but a comparison with the Boss was a bit of a stretch, and without all the ear candy, Flowers's song-writing skills fell somewhat flat.

Fortunately, all that has been rectified on Day & Age. Flowers hasn't exactly abandoned his Springsteen fascination, and on tracks such as 'Losing Touch' he seems to channel his idol more than ever. But the album is awash in other influences as well, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the always delightful Flaming Lips. And with infectiously danceable and unabashedly melodic singles like 'Human' and 'Spaceman,' Day & Age is a welcome reprise of Hot Fuss's frothy deliciousness. "Are we human or are we dancers?" asks Flowers in 'Human.' Well, if it's one or the other, in the case of the Killers, they're definitely dancers.

Granted, Day & Age may be more for the moment than for posterity, and it would be hard not to term its seductions a guilty pleasure. But that itself is part of the appeal. At their best, the Killers are the musical equivalent of one of those pina coladas served in a pineapple. Not exactly the manliest of beverages, but definitely, unquestionably tasty.

< Prev		Next >