The Killers Prove Lukewarm Live The Killers – 10.05.04 @ Irving Plaza by Rachel Waxman For a long time, I resisted buying The Killer’s much-hyped debut album, Hot Fuss. But with their “Somebody Told Me” video in heavy rotation and the, ahem, killer tune constantly lodged in my head, I had to cave in.  Two months and 247 spins later, I saw the band live. And the difference between hearing The Killers on the stereo and seeing them on the stage? The comfort of my own room versus the sweat of a thousand teens aside, absolutely nothing.

Despite what their Vegas roots might hint at, The Killers are not natural showmen.   They tend to shy away from all that glitters, preferring instead to perfunctorily perform their compact, brilliant 80’s tinged synth-rock gems.  This reluctance to claim the spotlight which is so rightfully theirs is frustrating.  The fun yet moody, breezy yet dark, danceable rock ‘n’ roll should have translated into the perfect Tuesday night but made me wish I had saved my 16 dollars for their sophomore effort instead. Hailing from the bright lights and seedy underbelly of Las Vegas, The Killers added the obligatory glitz in the form of a rhinestone studded keyboard and microphone stand for lead singer Brandon Flowers.  Strolling on stage to wild applause, Flowers dutifully acknowledged the crowd with a terse, “Let me tell you a story…” as he and his band launched into “Mr. Brightside.”  As he pounded on the keys of his glammed-out keyboard, Flowers could barely contain a grin- or was it a smirk?  The appropriately titled “Smile Like You Mean It” followed, as Flowers and company floated along in their annoyingly nonchalant manner.

With a background in choir music, Flowers performed with dramatic hand gestures a preacher would covet.  Death and disco not subjects of the standard sermon, Flowers tried to deliver his own form of salvation but few of us were moved, spiritually or otherwise.  Following bass player Mark Stoermer’s and guitarist Dave Keuning’s lead, the majority of the crowd remained rooted in their standing-room-only spots. Commanding attention, however, was the fabulous drummer, Ronnie Vannucci.  His wonderfully spastic and inspired drumming provided much-appreciated relief from the stagnant state of his bandmates.

Golden child du-jour- a fact especially illustrated by his new blond highlights- Flowers earnestly offered tales of love, murder and pride.  His dark, rich voice was tainted with guilt but his features remained impassive. A rare exception was the gorgeous moment when he let emotion overcome him during the set’s finale, “All These Things That I’ve Done,” where, like the celebrated lights of his hometown, Flowers’ potential shone brightly. Having seen them earlier this year, a friend remarked that The Killers need to work on their stage presence; they still do.  During one point of the night, The Killers busted out their synth-heavy, disco-glittery track, “On Top,” as Flowers casually launched into the chorus, “And we don't mean to satisfy tonight…”

“Good,” I thought.  Because they didn’t.

Set List: 1. Mr. Brightside 2. Smile Like You Mean It 3. Midnight Show 4. On Top 5. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine 6. Change Your Mind 7. Andy, You’re a Star 8. Indie Rock ‘n’ Roll 9. Somebody Told Me 10. Under the Gun 11. All These Things That I’ve Done