It’s been over eight years since The Killers released their debut single. “Somebody Told Me” broke the Top 40 back in 2004, lighting a match that propelled the Las Vegas four-piece to headline act status. The band’s journey to present day 2012 has been a tumultuous one and about as smooth as the skin on a Nevada desert cactus.Along the way three less-than-stellar albums hit the shelves, all of them following the same indecisive path and leading to the same inevitable question: Are we a rock band or are we a pop band? With Battle Born, The Killers hope to squash that question like a pesky fat-tailed scorpion. After a few listens, I’m glad to say they have.
If one is unfamiliar with The Killers’ work, there is no need to fret. One needs only to look to other big names of the overcrowded pop-rock genre. Like fellow headliners Coldplay, Keane and Snow Patrol, The Killers produce keyboard-driven pop-rock. Big choruses and sing-along melodies reverberate through amplifiers turned up to 11.
Lead singer Brandon Flowers’ emotionally-tinged lyrics verge on themes of love, loss and a desire for a bygone era. This has been The Killers’ tested and tried formula for financial (but not critical) success. Battle Born is no different. There are some big songs here; possibly too big. “The Way It Was” is so grandiose and excessive it sounds like it came off a Meatloaf album and as one would suspect, the title track “Battle Born” is as triumphant a song as it should be.
Over the years The Killers have built up a love for their hometown that would put New Jersey native and admirer Bruce Springsteen to shame. His love for all things Jersey is overshadowed by The Killers infatuation of all things Nevada. In recent years their image has become inseparable from state.
This unconditional love produces a musical influence that is nothing short of unmistakable. Battle Born rightfully continues the tradition. The album title is, in fact, taken directly from the state motto of Nevada, The Battle Born State. Now that’s dedication. If only Springsteen would title his next album The Beautiful Garden State or Land of a Thousand Boardwalks; then, The Killers would see some real competition.
With Battle Born, The Killers display a newfound sense of confidence. Gone is the indecisiveness. Departed is the musical insecurity. With Battle Born The Killers have made it known that they are a rock band and a pop band. And you know what? That’s just fine with me.
Critic’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Eric Duffert can be reached at eduffert@aol.com