On the heels of 2004's single-laden Hot Fuss, The Killers are back in the limelight with Sam's Town. The flurry of singles accompanying their first album brought recognition of the band's glitzy blend of '80s post-punk and dance pop. Despite the catchiness of the current hit single, "When You Were Young," the new album lacks the consistent accessibility of their debut.
Like Hot Fuss, their latest effort has an attractive sheen, this time produced by the legendary Flood and Alan Moulder (U2, Smashing Pumpkins). In spite of lead singer Brandon Flowers' egotistical remarks bolstering the new album's importance, The Killers remain a band that music aficionados will find difficult to take seriously. Lackluster lyrics like "There was an open chair/We sat down in the open chair/I said if destiny's kind/I've got the rest on my mind," (from "For Reasons Unknown") set to syrupy-sweet dance beats lend Sam's Town to likely critical dismissal.
That's not to say it's completely devoid of merit. The album's best track (and its second single), "Bones," is a straightforward, persuasive monologue set to a brassy, jubilant chorus. Other notables include the title track and "This River is Wild."
The Killers' hook-savvy glam-pop works some of the time, but with song titles like "Bling (Confessions of a King)," it's clear that the band still has some growing up to do. Despite the grandiose buildup, Sam's Town fails to impress due to its transience and inconsistency.
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