Throwback Thursday: The Killers - Hot Fuss

Hot Fuss

The Killers

Original Release date: 7th June 2004

Last week I listened to The Killers live session on Zane Lowe's excellent Radio 1 show. During the show, Zane Lowe said something that shocked me a little bit. He revealed that it was 10 years since The Killers debut single and best known song 'Mr. Brightside' had been exclusively first played on Radio 1. Ten years. I couldn't believe it! That got me thinking about The Killers and the changes their music has gone through. Last week they revealed that they would be having a 'hiatus' which seems to be a buzz word in the music industry at the moment. It basically means they will have a break for 5 years, come back with some mediocre new stuff that everyone will love, headline Glastonbury (again) and make millions from a tour. It's probably for the best because their recent efforts have been light years behind in terms of quality and style from their Indie Rock and Roll classic debut 'Hot Fuss'. So this week on Throwback Thursday, we look back at where it all began.

It all began in Las Vegas. They formed in the early 2000s and recording for 'Hot Fuss' began in 2003. It was 'Mr. Brightside' that sparked The Killers into life. The buzz or 'fuss' that surrounded them in the UK following the extended air time from top radio stations and glowing reviews from the music press was huge. As with other US rock bands, the UK has remained The Killers strongest fanbase, with their albums performing better here than across the pond. The album went to Number 1 in the UK and sold over 2 million copies. Critically, it was also a success and has continued to receive accolades, making it as high as Number 33 in Rolling Stone's 'The 100 Best Debut Albums Of All Time'. It really was a dream debut for The Killers.

The success of 'Hot Fuss', I think, is down to the way The Killers managed to blend groovy, rhythmic synth with rock hooks and lyrics about sex and jealousy. They were 20 years too late for the 80s. But this was probably why their popularity grew inexplicably, as they could fill a dancefloor instantly. These elements are all integral to 'Hot Fuss', but have lacked on their latest albums, which have edged towards a more polished grown up U2 sound. When you play their latest single 'Take A Shot At The Night' against some of the tracks on 'Hot Fuss', you can see the difference instantly. 'Hot Fuss' is about sex, jealousy, lust and emotion. Whereas the later material seems diluted and censored. Maybe this is because they are all 10 years older now, 10 years maturer and with families. But there is definitely something missing.

'Mr Brightside' is obviously the stand out track that is synonymous with the album and The Killers as a band. It's scintillating opening guitar riff is one of the most recognisable in music. Lyrically, it sums up The Killers early years, it encapsulates all the aforementioned themes of 'Hot Fuss': 

'And I just can't look it's killing me, 
And taking control, 
Jealousy turning saints into the sea, 
Swimming through sick lullabies, 
Choking on your alibis'

But 'Hot Fuss' is packed with tracks that get the heart pumping and the foot tapping. Although not released as a single, opener 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine' is a fan favourite. It introduces The Killers well with it's dominating bass line, Brandon Flowers' desperate voice and synth overtures - particularly noticeable in the breakdown towards the end of the track. 'Smile Like You Mean It' provides a great contrast on the album. It's much slower and emotive, talking of missed opportunities and growing up. 'Somebody Told Me' marries together synth and guitar hooks perfectly. The start builds up to a crescendo with pulsing synth and spiky guitar. Again, Flowers' voice is delicate and sounds like it could break at any time as if he is on the edge. It fits well. 'All These Things That I've Done' is another popular single from the album. It perhaps shows more than any other track the direction The Killers were heading, with it's U2 esque guitar. The track is probably best for known for it's gospel inspired breakdown, which I'm sure will have inspired many drunken sing-a-longs. 'I got soul but I'm not a soldier' repeated over and over by a choir and Flowers' build the track up to a climatic end.

For me 'Hot Fuss' is the best album from The Killers. It's packed with a variety of great songs. It came before the arrogance, before the ridiculous moustaches and feathered jackets. It's true to their electro indie roots and should be celebrated. No matter how 'hip' you think disliking 'Mr. Brightside' is, you cannot deny it's a classic and always will be.


Key Tracks: Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, All These Things That I've Done, On Top.