The Killers — Hot Fuss

The Killers release their aptly-named debut Hot Fuss amid a whirlwind of buzz and frothing reviews. And deservedly so. They milk influences like Duran Duran, Psychedelic Furs and last year’s it band, Interpol, to pleasing effect. With tracks like "Somebody Told Me," The Killers effectively tap into the current wave of rock that manages to be both moody and danceable. The single-ready "Mr. Brightside" is this disc’s highest point — aching vocals laid over surging keyboards capture that heart-sickening feeling of picturing a former lover with someone else.

Opening track "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine," is classic Cure, with vocalist Brandon Flowers doing his best Robert Smith. Granted, not every song is worth getting your panties in a twist over. The level of intensity and interest wavers at times, with tracks like "Andy You’re A Star" and "Smile Like You Mean It," proving to be plodding and uninspired. Overall though, The Killers can revel in the fact that they’ve created a tight, electro-rock masterpiece.

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