The Strokes, the Hives, the Thrills, the Stills. Indie rock has given birth to yet another impressive “the” band. The Killers are made up of Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci. After getting picked up by Island Records in 2003, their debut album, Hot Fuss, has made a big fuss and spread throughout the nation like a fire.

The first track of the album, “Jenny was a Friend of Mine,” introduces the band as the avid musicians that their name claims. Flowers’ vocals are stellar, carrying each song from strong beginning to an even stronger end. The sturdy chords of the guitar and bass are harmonized with solid drumbeats. Flowers incorporates the use of a synthesizer in each song, giving it that ’80s flavor that puts this band so behind but so ahead of their time. The Killers throw in pleasant surprises throughout the album, including a gospel choir featured in “All These Things That I’ve Done” and “Andy You’re a Star.” Although the Killers have gotten much air and attention for their catchy singles “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside,” the nine songs that occupy the rest of the album will only leave you coming back for more.

Hopefully the Killers will give us more music in the future, because they have developed a unique, refreshing style that renews faith in music. So even if you can’t get that new song about a boyfriend that looked like a girlfriend out of your head, give the Killers a chance. They know what they’re singing about.
[Artsweek thinks Blaire Brown should start her own indie rock band called the Blaires. She can get famous Blaires to join her like Blair from “The Facts of Life” and Blair Underwood. Or not.]