Posted date: August 2006

The Killers Live Review
By J. Daniel Duran

Somebody told me The Killers were coming to Ultra Music Festival. Many were puzzled by the event organizer’s idea to invite the Las Vegas band to perform, sharing the top of the bill with The Prodigy, Paul Van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold.

Rumor has it The Killers took time off from recording Sam’s Town, the follow-up to their multi-platinum 2004 album Hot Fuss to make the appearance. Starting the set almost an hour late, lead singer Brandon Flowers—who seemed to be channeling Sgt. Pepper in his choice of attire—made it clear why The Killers are one of the most relevant bands out there to put dance punk on the map.

In the printed schedule, it was clear event organizers anticipated that many attendees would want to catch both The Killers and The Prodigy, giving ample time for patrons to make it back to the Ultra Stage. Due to the band’s late start, their set overlapped with The Prodigy’s. The crowd broke into war chant many times prior to the band’s arrival. However, most animosity seemed to disappear once they started.

The group went on after a hi-energy set by Hot Hot Heat, maintaining a cool pace and connecting with the crowd with their irresistible dance along antics. Flowers bounced about the stage, reinforcing the band’s electronic influences by playing a synthesizer along with the band. Their repertoire of songs translates well to the live stage, a rarity for rock bands with such heavy electronic influences. All their hits were there, including “Somebody Told Me,” “Mr. Brightside” and “All These Things That I’ve Done,” as well as the highlights “Andy, You’re A Star” and “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” however omitting any new tracks they’re currently working on.

Despite this, there is no doubt the crowd enjoyed seeing one of today’s biggest rock acts. The organizers’ decision to place the Killers on the Live Stage was a welcome one, providing an intimate experience with the band for those fortunate enough to have arrived early.

Overall, the Killers were a refreshing change of pace at a festival known for hard beats and tribal rhythms. The band also reflects Miami’s changing attitude as to what is considered dance music, as indie rock and electro infused nights become well received in a city unanimously known for its techno, house and trance institutions. Let’s hope organizers can surprise us once again next year.

Catch The Killers at the Virgin Festival (www.virginfestival.com) in Baltimore on September 23, 2006. Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Who headline. Thievery Corporation, Gnarles Barkley, Carl Cox, 2manydjs and James Holden perform as well.

The Killers new single, “When You Were Young,” released September 18th.
Their new album, Sam’s Town is out October 2.