The Killers Still Put on an Incredible Show

Photo by Rob Loud

Photo by Rob Loud

The Killers sound exceptional live; the instruments are intricate and clear and front man Brandon Flowers' voice sounds just as smooth and passionate in person as it does on their professional recordings. That (in addition to the spectacle of their show, which I will get to) is why after sixteen years, The Killers are still so popular and continually sell out tours worldwide. If you like their music, even just some of it, you will enjoy their show. This was so evident last night in Denver, where the First Bank Center was packed completely full of the widest range of people - guys, gals, old, young, and a full array of fashion. Literally there were grey haired old men, girl groups, guy groups, couples, and three little kids in the row right behind us. The coolest part was that so many of these different people knew the words and stayed until the end of the show, encore and all, on a Monday night no less.

Photo by Tiffany Candelaria

Photo by Tiffany Candelaria

The show itself was a grand spectacle of components (which they're known for) that reached the boundaries of what the First Bank Center is capable of, complete with lasers, interesting backdrop screens, flashing lights all around the stage, blasted confetti, streamers, even pyrotechnics! I'm telling you, their shows are always a grandiose explosion of light, sound, emotion, energy and joy. See for yourself on our Instagram.

Photo by Rob Loud

Photo by Rob Loud

They played for about 2.5 hours and went till midnight on a Monday. The merchandise tables had a line every time we walked by, from 2 hours before the show, to after The Killers had ended. As usual, they played songs from all of their albums, but they didn't play any cover songs this time, maybe because they have another whole album to play songs from now. For this new album released last year, Wonderful, Wonderful, the band strove to make a more mature record and focused on emotional authenticity. While there are more personally emotional, lyrical songs on the album, The Killers also include their signature keyboard laden, big chorus, dance songs we know them for.

Photo by Tiffany Candelaria

Photo by Tiffany Candelaria

The show was a blast, the band members delivered, and everyone got to leave with confetti and red, white and blue streamers. The Killers will continue their tour across Europe, Mexico, and many festivals throughout the year!

Photo by Rob Loud

Photo by Rob Loud

Review by Tiffany Candelaria

Austin City Limits Music Festival | Day Three | Weekend Two

RTJ (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

RTJ (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Day three of this years Austin City Limits paved way to probably the best of the three days. The weather was perfect as the high never really reached about 75 degrees or so. One of the best acts we caught all weekend was Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit, riding the wave of their recently released new album, the band took advantage and played a lot of newer material. With perfect harmonies and layered riffs the sisters fed off each other and played a near flawless set. Up next was one of our favorites Run The Jewels (do these guys ever take a day off?). It has gotten to the point were the duo of Killer Mike and EL-P have reached headliner status with their infectious politically charged lyrics and well though out beats. Always encouraging  crowd participation which makes way for an amazing live set, the band feeds off the energy and vice versa. They played through many of their hits and left us hungry for another album.

As the sun set and crowds got comfortable we made our way to catch one of the hottest bands of 2017. Portugal. The Man, with heir recently released album Woodstock and fell good hit of the summer "Feel The Still", the band performed under the dark lights and motion projection layered upon the backdrop. A band who we have seen mature over the years and continue to get better and better with each take.

The nights dueling headliners had us choosing between Gorillaz and The Killers (photo restrictions for both). We managed to split our time between both sets as we sang and danced to the early material from Brandon Flowers and company and also managed to catch Damon Albarn and his supergroup lay into some of their newer material. As always The Austin City Limits Music Festival continues to earn top billing for us year in and year out. With a new layout and more ample space, the fest never felt overcrowded and still managed to include a few more stages and variety of music for all to enjoy. See ya next year Austin.

The Killers | Battle Born | Album Review

It has been a while since The Killers graced us with there ever so delightful arena rock anthems, we have all come to love…. or hate (insert Sam’s Town).  Well, the boys from Vegas are back with their new album Battle Born and upon first listen, I can say that the production on the album fails to disappoint. While it is hard to trump Hot Fuss, which had a more dance/new wave feel, Battle Born seems to take us on a voyage from beginning to end, an album that seems to fit like a perfect puzzle. 

With Brandon Flowers once again commanding vocal duties, it is his recognizable voice that carries the album. Joining him is Ronnie Vanucci Jr. on drums, Mark Stoerner on bass, and Dave Keuning on guitar.  This is their fourth studio album that was recorded in their hometown studio in Las Vegas.

 On the first track he asks, “What are you made of…?” demanding the chorus of the track “Flesh and Bone”.  The first single off the album “Runaway” displays some very intricate and carefully masterful guitar play from Keuning and bassist Stoerner. The track has been getting heavy radio play and soon will have us all singing it in our sleep. With Flowers belting out the chorus, it is his story telling that seems to get lost in translation as it is carefully put together from the beginning of the song until the final guitar riff. On "From Here On Out", Flowers channels his inner Petty and Springsteen with a song that would seem fit for a cross-country trip through middle America.

A sense of musical maturity has been established on this album and having the right people behind the mixing boards can truly give it it’s dynamic sound. Gone are the dance-friendly tracks in favor of the epic anthems and songs of heartbreak that they seem to be churning out today.

I would say that I do favor the sound on Hot Fuss and Sawdust a bit more, but Battle Born will give any fan of The Killers a new sound of experimentation that every band toys with during their career at one point. I would rate this album a solid 8 out of 10.

Fans can check out their live American Express UNSTAGED performance tonight:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheKillersVEVO/unstaged

Also, they are getting ready to head out on tour with its first stop right here in Colorado at The 1st Bank Center on  November 29th with Tegan and Sara. More info can be found here.

Castro​