I first discovered The Killers in June 2004 and instantly loved them - they seemed to have this longing for the moody electro-indie of 1980s Britain and created a knack for radio friendly choruses that all of their new wave songs, swathed in synths, ended up sounding like chart bound smashes. And most of them were (although criminally All These Things stalled at 19?!). Now for sophomore album Sam's Town - the synths haven't gone completely but have been scaled back in favour of "real instruments"... the title track sounds a little like the theme to McGyver (patty and selma will be pleased) and the whole album owes a debt to U2 and Bruce Springsteen without ever sounding generic... While every track is a winner, highlights include Bling and second single Bones. Its songs like this that show The Killers moving closer to U2 with every song they play - Bones is an instant rock anthem, grown in the roots of The Joshua Tree. Midpaced Read My Mind is such an obvious hit that they should be presented with an award hailing it to be the best selling single of 2007 - it really is that much of a no brainer.
Crucially, Sam's Town comes across as a cohesive complete collection of songs that flaunt B-Flo's rediscovered love for America and their newfound sensitivity. Just. Stunning.
