Few bands can believably be compared to Joy Division, the Cure, Duran Duran, and Echo and the Bunnymen. Especially if they are from Las Vegas. Yet The Killers, the newest indie dance sensation, not only consistently elicit such comparisons, they actually seem to live up to them. With only one major label release under their belts, the Killers were picked up by Morrissey to headline his band earlier this year.
Why all the attention to some Sin City hipsters? Dark yet catchy lyrics, and heavy bass-driven beats definitely make their dance tunes extremely listenable. Front man Brandon Flowers has a voice and intensity that belie his age (23) and invoke legitimate comparisons to Robert Smith. In SFists opinion, the lesser publicized treat of watching The Killers is drummer Ronnie Vannucci. If you are lucky enough to have tickets to the show, make sure to get an unobstructed view of Mr. Vannucci. Hes definitely the happiest and most energetic drummer in rock 'n roll today.
The Killers are one of those rare acts whose music really comes alive when they are performing for a crowd. SF has a chance to check out the next big thing for the second time this year on Tuesday at the Great American Music Hall. . Whatever you do, make sure you get there in time to hear, "All These Things That I've Done" and Mr. Flowers's soon-to-be anthemized call of, "I've got soul, but I'm not a Soldier!"
