Killers, The

The Killers mix of supposedly serious lyrics and upbeat music can be delightfully camp. They manage to make pretension sound endearing.

Their first album, Hot Fuss, is probably still the best example of their style. It's big, brash, front loaded and it really works. A number of tracks will be filling the dance floors for many years to come.

The success of Hot Fuss led to the frighteningly over confident Sam's Town. At times it's embarrassing to hear the lead singer, Brandon Flowers, spout the insipidly shallow lyrics with such gusto but if you let the lyrics wash over you there is still plenty fun to be had here.

The B-side collection, Sawdust, that followed was a return to form of sorts. It had the benefit of having a few knock offs from the earlier album. Like most B-side collections, it's a messy thing to listen to in one go but there are great moments, most notably in the duet with Lou Reed. If the knockoff collection can contain as many rousing moments as this, it shows how natural it is for the Killers to make such lively music.

Their latest work, Day & Age, reverts to the more dance oriented rock of their debut. It's even sillier than before but it's hard not to be captivated by their innocent, very theatrical records.