One thing you can't say about the Killers is that all their albums sound the same. There's undeniable evolution of their sound in each record, with the band that brought 'Hot Fuss' almost unrecognisable in 'Battle Born'.
'Battle Born' is the band's fourth studio album, and whilst their last EP 'Day & Age' did not contain the radio friendly hits of its predecessors, the band's stock has never been so high. (The cheeky rascals even omitted signature tune 'Mr Brightside' from their first of two V Festival appearances this summer. That's confidence.)
In truth, there aren't many tracks on 'Battle Born' that are single material either. Their first single 'Runaways' is perhaps the most faithful to the Killers we've come to know since the Americana tribute that was 'Sam's Town'. Big guitars, big drums and a powerful story of life on the run in the United States. However, that's where the familiarity ends. Not only does the album feature the band's most mellow track to date (the over-sentimental 'Here With Me'), but also arguably the darkest ('A Matter of Time'). 'The Way It Was' opens with a middle-of-the-road melody that wouldn't sound out of place on a late 90's Meatloaf record. All that's missing is the obligatory brackets in the song title. It's easy listening, but not as we know it.
The best track is the opening 'Flesh and Bone', perhaps the best example of the bands evolution. Synth early, guitar rock crescendo, confident lyrics and vocals leading into an off-beat middle section then an explosion. Like 'Human' that opened 'Day & Age', this will surely be the band's opening track on their upcoming live tour. Those who saw the trailer video for the album will recognise the hook, scratchy guitars and a symphony backdrop.
'I Can't Stay' was without doubt the underrated gem of 'Day & Age', much like 'This River is Wild' was on 'Sam's Town'. In this latest offering, 'Miss Atomic Bomb' has the potential to be the song that resonates with fans the most, particularly live. The lyrics tell a story of from a simpler time. The infatuation of a new boy in town, and how the subtle moments you first share with your first love are the most memorable. "...the leather seat, the passage right, I feel the heat...I see the light. Miss Atomic Bomb, making out, we've got the radio on. You're gonna miss me when I'm gone."
From that point there's a distinct lack of a contemporary feel to the whole album. 'Deadlines And Commitments' is a forgettable easy listening tune that could have been made in any era, whereas 'The Rising Tide' has more than a hint of The Pretenders. The smokey yet safe 'Heart of a Girl' could have appeared on the excellent Forest Gump soundtrack and nobody would have battered an eyelid. 'From Here on Out' is more than a little bit country. The Killers are doing their best to lead a genre, rather than follow. 'Be Still' is a haunting but powerful ballad. "...Don't break character; you've got a lot of heart" highlighting the ever growing confidence of the band. This is another example of the band sacrificing stadium anthems for album tracks that fit the theme.
The title track 'Battle Born' refers to the state flag of the boys' home state of Nevada, as well as their recording studio. It's more than a name, it's a state of mind that the band have referred back to when in need of some direction. There's more than a little rock opera here that Freddie Mercury would have been proud of. The album certainly ends on a high and not a whimper.
The Deluxe version of the album also includes 'Carry Me Home' and 'Prize Fighter', the former being a particularly good song that could easily have made the cut. 'Prize Fighter' is a silly but fun Beatles-esque romp, with references from the Queen to the Oakland A's
(the baseball team Billy Beane manages in the movie Moneyball). 'Battle Born' could be the record that defines them in years to come, for good or for bad. There's a lot for fans of the band to like but casual fans still looking for Brightside v2 may find it a tough listen. Make no mistake, it's a brave leap and they should be applauded.
'Battle Born' is available now via Vertigo Records. The Killers tour the UK in October and November.
Fri October 26th 2012 - SECC, Glasgow
Sat October 27th 2012 - AECC, Aberdeen
Wed October 31st 2012 - LG Arena, Birmingham
Thu November 1st 2012 - LG Arena, Birmingham
Sat November 3rd 2012 - Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
Sun November 4th 2012 - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Mon November 5th 2012 - Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Cardiff
Thu November 8th 2012 - Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
Fri November 9th 2012 - Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool
Tue November 13th 2012 - Manchester Arena, Manchester
Wed November 14th 2012 - Manchester Arena, Manchester
Fri November 16th 2012 - The O2, London
Sat November 17th 2012 - The O2, London
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'Battle Born' is the band's fourth studio album, and whilst their last EP 'Day & Age' did not contain the radio friendly hits of its predecessors, the band's stock has never been so high. (The cheeky rascals even omitted signature tune 'Mr Brightside' from their first of two V Festival appearances this summer. That's confidence.)
