Salt Lake City May 2,2005

From The Salt Lake Tribune

Glitz, posh and superficiality abound - but it's fun and we come back as often as we can.
   A full crowd lined the seats at Kingsbury Hall on Monday night as lead singer Brandon Flowers took his place behind a glimmering podium, acting like a dandy preacher bringing the good news of alt-rock, beginning with "Midnight Show."
   "Change Your Mind" was a synthpop delight while "Andy, You're a Star" was memorable for its bass lines and dark groove. The electric purrs of "Some Other Town" got the crowd bumping as much as they could between the seats - head bobs and knee bends.
   The Killers' songs are familiar but rarely redundant. "Where Is She" opens with moody Cure-like synth before chugging out some spiky beats. The B-side "Indie Rock   & Roll" is an album-worthy power ballad.
   The retro-music movement The Killers are part of is as much a subculture as it is a musical trend. Most fans were dressed to the height of dapper fashion: Glittery shirts, designer jeans, hot pink apparel and enough pomade to grease up all of Utah Lake. It's clear Killer fans like their music and clothing to be slick.
   For one album, it is impressive   how many recognizable songs The Killers have: "Mr. Brightside," "Smile Like You Mean It," "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" and the one playing on your radio as you read this, "Somebody Told Me." Each succeeds by the simple format of irresistible hooks and catchy lyrics.
   A gripe about Flowers - his expressions and performance are affected. He's a preener, aware of the thousands of eyes turned   to him, which causes his behavior to be noticeably unnatural.
   In the retro-music wave that is hovering over America, The Killers are among the most talented and popular. The danger of immediate success is that it usually affects longevity.
   Here's hoping The Killers don't get the bends.

By Sam Vicchrilli