It seems like 2012 is the year of alternative band comebacks. Four years after the release of their last record, alt-rockers The Killers return with Battle Born. The lead single, “Runaways” is reminiscent of their 2006 single “When You Were Young,” and it’s a good thing. There’s an 80′s pop sound in “Flesh and Bone” and “The Way It Was”, coupled with western sounding guitars and synthesizing.
“Here With Me” is easily my favorite track from the record if only because of the level of loneliness the band conveys in frontman Brandon Flower’s voice and the band’s own skills. The lyrics have a country quality that tells the story well. Rollicking horns and drums cover “A Matter of Time” similar to the sound of Hot Fuss, but the album turns breezy and melodic with “Heart of a Girl” and airy and inspiring with “Be Still”. Country and rock mix again against synth pianos and sonic violins with the title track.
If you enjoyed The Killer’s Sam’s Town, Battle Born is a welcome set of tracks. Rather than go fully into the club dance sound pop has now, and careful to not go into the same vein as Day & Age, the boys stick to the longing guitar ballads they’re known for and it makes for a cohesive album with eclectic elements. There’s not a song worth skipping on The Killers’ latest effort.