By Jesse Pick
The Killers’ third studio album, Day and Age, rocks with plenty ofstomping beats that will surely fill dance floors. Brandon Flower’s smooth voice connects to listeners with emotional lyrics and passionate melodies. With their newest album, the Killers prove to the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.

In 2002, the Las Vegas alternative–rock band formed a new sound by fusing traditional rock music with a synthetic pop sound. Their genre has been called alt–rock, synth–pop, and indie pop. The new album is more of a pop album than rock, but it is a sound desperately needed in a pop–music industry saturated by boy bands and overbearing divas.

The Killers dazzled listeners in 2004 with their debut album, Hot Fuss. Since then, vocalist Brandon Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, percussionist Ronnie Vannucci Jr., and bassist Mark Stoermer were blasted into mainstream success. Their sophomore effort, Sam’s Town in 2006, didn’t have the success of their debut. As a transition album, Sam’s Town showed that the Killers were not going to rehash the winning formula of Hot Fuss. It is because of that album’s evolution that brings this spectacular new album, Day and Age.

The first track on Day and Age, “Losing Touch,” is a soft, gentle tune driven by honking saxophones along with rippling guitars. Keuning makes his presence felt with a soaring guitar lead. The song gets the album off to a great start. The first single released from Day and Age, “Human,” electrifies with an opening clicky–sounding guitar riff. Human represents the gentle side of ‘80s new wave music, but it adds an allure of today’s style. Flowers’ melancholy manner leads this tune into a Cure like sound.

The song “Spaceman” was performed earlier this year on Saturday Night Live. With a lyrical narrative about alien abduction, the song seems to be absurd; however, its fast–paced rhythm with big drums and hooks turn this into a familiar sound of the Killers. If you’re looking for more of that familiar Killers’ sound, “A Dustland Fairytale” echoes the band’s 2004 hit song Mr. Brightside. The song arrives at the midpoint of the album and sets up for outstanding finish.

The Killers sample other music styles on this album. “This is Your Life” uses African tribal chanting and a harpsichord. It is a strange concoction that works to create a trance like feeling during the hypnotic song. “I Can’t Stay” beats on Caribbean–style steel drums synchronized with harps, saxophone, and a gentle acoustic guitar.

Day and Age is a must have for any fan of the Killers. Fans of New Order, the Cure, or U2 will definitely enjoy this album. Actually, fans of good–quality music will marvel at the melodies produced by the Killers’ newest album.

Five Stars (out of 5)
(Dec. 5 )