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Chris Elwell-Sutton's rating
Kitsch Americana and pure rock 'n' roll
By
Chris Elwell-Sutton
27 Nov 2006
Their latest album may have enjoyed a mixed reception, but synth rockers The Killers left an ecstatic crowd in no doubt about their excellence as live performers.
The first of a sold-out three0night run at Brixton, their performance was infused with unfettered energy as they delivered one booming rabblerouser after another.
Sporting a highly stylised, slightly contrived look of a bushy moustache, waistcoat and a Wild West-style droopy bow tie, singer and synthesiser player Brandon Flowers resembled nothing so much as an old-time American ringmaster, the atmosphere of kitsch Americana emphasised by distressed bunting, fairy lights and a huge Las Vegas-style sign, bearing the name of their new album, Sam's Town, the title track of which was the show's opener.
As the booming hook of Sam's Town kicked in, Flowers connected with the crowd instantly. His stagecraft was far more accomplished than it was last summer at Scotland's T In The Park festival- - no mean feat bearing in mind the multi-tasking involved in maintaining a dynamic physical presence while standing behind a keyboard.
His super-confident, flamboyant swagger sat oddly but endearingly with the well-brought-up Mormon frontman's humble, respectful words of appreciation between songs. As a result, the crowd's excitement was mixed with a feeling of genuine affection.
Clearly confident in the quality of their repertoire as whole, The Killers risked shooting their bolt early by performing their biggest hit, Somebody Told Me, very early in the show. With more synthesiser and less guitar than the track's recorded version, this rendition-had more in common with the electronic anthems of Basement Jaxx or Faithless than with other rock acts, and the audience responded to it as such, bouncing and clapping with the kind of euphoria normally associated with a dance music rave.
The sexual passion of Bones was another high point that saw the crowd singing along so loudly that Flowers was almost drowned out. The only reasonable criticism that could be levelled at the Killers' set is that it contained little variety in tempo or atmosphere, although given the musically satisfying quality of their melodies and consistently crowd-pleasing nature of their choruses, it would be mean-spirited to make too much of this.
Their image and instruments may be drawn from a mish-mash of sources, but The Killers' showmanship last night was pure rock 'n' roll as they demonstrated that their reputation as one of the best live acts around is both safe and well deserved.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (7)
I actually went to the second night on the Monday just gone and can pay The Killers no higher compliment than to say I have never been to a better gig.
From start to finish the atmosphere was electric. They played a good mix from the two albums and I have never been to a gig before where the atmosphere among the crowd remained so upbeat even during the slower songs.
What I'd like to know is what the main reviewer considers to be a gig worthy of tops marks as on Monday night The Killers perfromance was definitely 5 star and I can't believe Sunday would have been any different!
- Tc, London, 29/11/2006 13:45
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Brixton gig was absolutely fantastic - best band around today - I love them!
- Zee, London, 29/11/2006 11:29
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I've seen the Killers live here in the USA and I couldn't have agreed more with the review here. The energy and passion behind their live performance is very moving. Interestingly, having gone to so many concerts, I didn't expect such a new band to carry such a old-time rock concert atmosphere, but the Killers pulled it off, and I was un-done. I became a fan from seeing them live, having not liked their first cd very much. But, after I went to see them, I became thrilled by having a new band to be excited about. I saw them last month before they started their trek in the UK, and I have to say that this band has proven on live performance alone that they are a serious force in music today.
- Moodyg, Philadelphia, USA, 28/11/2006 17:00
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This has been the best live gig of 2006, possibly even 2005. Right from the start the athmosphere was wired and Brandon Flowers was superb. Although I love both their albums especially Sams town, nothing prepared me for the spectacular sound they have live.. Fantastic!
- Jo, London, 27/11/2006 17:15
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Sensational gig, what a show, my first Killers show, can't wait for the next.
- Martin Chaney, St Albans, UK, 27/11/2006 16:38
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what a performance - such energy and passion. Flowers beleived in everyword he utterd. He had all of us in the palm of his hand.
Prob the best gig i have been to for atmosphere - highlight of the night- Mr Brightiside (my croakey voice and ringing ears are testament to this!!)
enjoy all those who go. you are in for a rollercoaster.
- Ric, london, england, 27/11/2006 14:31
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The Killers absolutely have a different style than anyone else, mostly because of their fusion of different types of music. Although I have never seen them in concert, the fact that they are getting mixed reviews on their content makes me want to see them more!
- Clay, Rochester, US, 27/11/2006 14:08
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