The Killers
Sawdust
(Universal)
This collection of rarities, fresh material and B-sides serves as a bridge from the Killers' neon-soaked 2004 debut Hot Fuss to the more pastoral, Bruce Springsteen-inspired leanings of last year's follow-up, Sam's Town.
In doing so, it demonstrates how this Las Vegas four-piece have evolved into one of the biggest bands on the planet. Peddling a post-punk, Smiths-inspired angst, played out against the larger-than-life reality of Sin City, the Killers make for a compelling combination, the musical equivalent of a shy and retiring porn star.
The sound is always bigger than the sometimes self-doubting lyrics would have you believe. Opening track Tranquilize is a dazzling combination with Lou Reed recorded in New York earlier this year and is one of the strongest tracks the band have committed to tape, as is Sweet Talk which didn't make it on to Sam's Town.