Already a hit in England and with a guest appearance on “The O.C.” in the can, The Killers may be the most famous rock band you have never heard of. Possibly the best export Las Vegas has ever had to offer (my apologies to Andre Agassi and Toni Basil), this band has shot to stardom with the catchy indie rock anthem “Somebody Told Me.” A mix of Placebo, New Order and Bowie, their sound came together soon after these ambitious musicians met each other.Brandon Flowers, lead singer and keyboardist, answered an ad in a local Vegas paper after being thrown out of his previous band, synth pop outfit Blush Response. When he met guitarist Dave Keuning, the chemistry was immediate, and they began writing their first song, “Mr. Brightside,” that evening. The rest of the lineup is rounded out with percussionist Ronnie Vannucci and bassist Mark Stoermer.
Battling the heat while pounding out tunes in their garage, the band began to craft tales of murder, stalking, AIDS and the usual traumas of girlfriends and boyfriends. After playing furious live shows in the Las Vegas area, word quickly spread about this new band, and they received an offer from British independent label Lizard King.
A few live shows in the United Kingdom brought the attention of major label Island Records, and they traveled to Los Angeles to begin work on their debut album ,”Hot Fuss.”
With heavy rotation on MTV, their first single, “Somebody Told Me,” has become a staple of alternative and college radio formats. The tune’s catchy chorus stays with the listener long after the song has finished. “Somebody told me/ you had a boyfriend/ who looks like a girlfriend/ that I had in February of last year.”
Not another one-hit wonder, The Killers exceed all expectations with the rest of the tracks on “Hot Fuss.” From the haunting tale of murder, “Jenny,” to the gospel chorus-infused “All These Things That I’ve Done,” this freshman debut has something for everyone.
According to their web site, the band plans to launch a major U.S. tour in late 2004 but will also make appearances at major festivals around the world.
The Killers will be performing during day one of the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans on Oct. 16.
