The Killers Concert Review
Opening Night for The First Leg of Their US Tour 2005 Phoenix, Arizona
Review by: Heather M. and K L 4/05
If the answer is NO- Can, I change your mind?
As The Killers descended upon the musically hungry savants the first leg of their USA tour began last night in Phoenix, Arizona. The Killers brought with them their innovative way of delivering new wave rock filled with lust, murder, and visions of betrayal.
The following is a conversation concert review between Heather M. from the Speed of Life music site and K L from Band-Board.com.
Heather M.: Being the first leg of the US tour the air was just heavy, ready to burst, with the excitement of new material as well as familiars. Energy was over flowing, wouldn’t you agree?
K L: True- I never imagined the intensity of expectation to have risen as far as it has already for The Killers. A sold out show, waiting several hours in line to get in and parking for many was several miles away.
HM: But the band made any inconveniences seem trifle when they came on. Even the opening act Tegan and Sara gave an out standing performance.
KL: The twin sister duo from Canada really performed well. Their music was catchy, pop filled and their band played a tight set. The sisters seemed to really enjoy themselves and so friendly to the audience. I was impressed by their singing range and guitar-playing abilities, weren’t you?
HM: Indeed Canada has tagged onto their long list of bacon, “hosers,” and beer the talent of Tegan and Sara. They were a nice prelude to The Killers.
KL: LMHO (laugh my hoser off!)
HM: Oh behave! Back to the show…..
KL: As The Killers made their entrance onto the stage and began their first song the audience became immediately captivated. Hips began swaying and arms waived. Brandon Flower’s performances always remind me of a cocky Baptist Preacher ready to deliver his biblical performance art to the awaiting masses. His clever usage of antics, suit, and plastic pretty boy face had the girls screaming immediately. I understand he recently became engaged?
HM: Fellow band mate and drummer Ronnie Vannucci confirmed the rumor. There are a million heart broken girls now, who will all have to seek therapy in one way or another. To comment on Flower’s performance, he has a definite power to charm.
KL: Or evoke mass hysteria of screaming females…”BRANDON WE LOVE YOU!”
HM: Remember how many times we heard that screamed by adoring female fans?
KL: Yes, even during a serious introduction of a new song they had written in Scotland, about a shooting that took place between two lovers. Goggly-eyed girls continued screaming his name instead of listening to the message Brandon was trying to deliver.
HM: Looking past that though, when you take his presentation and mix it with the lyric content of missing loves, guns, and midnight shows, they fit together in an odd jig saw that still makes a pretty picture.
KL: As you get to know and watch the band as a whole play there is not a one of them that does not possess the enchanting ability to mesmerize musical lustful youths. You could say, as a whole, that is what makes them who they are. Without this perfect fit of David Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci, and Brandon Flower’s The Killers would not be who they are…wickedly strong in lyrics and musically charged with what fans need. A completed display of simplistic mastery of good rock-n-roll music.
HM: But do you still feel they present a satisfying, yet strong visual presence? Sure, each has a definitive character, but what does that bring to the stage?
KL: To begin with, let’s take it to their mere presence of showmanship…how they perform for stage. Its cutting edge- making a statement of we are here to be original, different and comfortable with whom we are as a band. They didn’t need some high tech visual display involving lasers or holograms to say that; they did it just by letting each one display their own individuality. All The Killers need to top off their innovative musical style is a few well-placed colored lights. Perfection…
HM: Their simplicity allows for the songs to speak for themselves, but also puts them on a very tangible level.
KL: Speaking of tangible… meeting the band members afterwards was a pleasure. Anyone for a game of UNO? Guitarist/songwriter David stated while we were chatting, that in his downtime he enjoys playing board games i.e. Monopoly and UNO… being from the heartland of America, Iowa, makes one pretty down to earth doesn’t it?
HM: I found that to be wonderfully charming and attractive. Any man who can confess a love for cards, is okay by me. Not to mention his enjoyment of Smashing Pumpkins- added bonus. Man, I hope he’s not engaged!
KL: Me too! The psych wards will be overflowing if another Killer takes on the ol ball and chain…
HM: Seriously, though it was nice to find out that they were all as genuine off stage as they were on stage.
KL: Hey, guess what?
HM: What?
KL: The Killers are human just like the rest of us, they put one pant leg on at a time. Let’s hope they never loose that state of mind and remember their fans.
HM: Yes because knowing how to put one’s pants on is vital, and without fans, you are not a band.
KL: Well, you can be a band, but not a paid band…and let’s face it…its only (indie) rock-n-roll and we like it.
We highly recommend not only purchasing The Killers’ CD Hot Fuss, but insist that if you’re looking for an evening of auspicious stripped down hip shakin' bone rattlin' new indie wave screamin' good times entertainment The Killers are ready to perform for you and you won’t be changing your mind…because the answer without question is already a resounding- YES!
Contact Info:
K L Marsala
Email: cnuseeme@cox.net
Website:
http://www.band-board.com
Heather M.
Email: runningatthespeedoflife@yahoo.com
Website:
http://www.speed-of-life.freeservers.com
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"I am exhausted from living up to your expectations of me."
