By Diana L. LaBrecque

There is probably no possible way that you haven’t heard the Killers’ music before, because their tracks are all over the place these days. They have played on all the big time talk shows including Leno, Conan and also SNL and MTV. Their unique alternative rock meets soft punk sound can be heard on many well-known soundtracks including Music From The OC: Volume 2. The band also appeared on a December episode of the popular television show. The Killers’ top singles include the rough sounding “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me” and, for those less angry times, “Smile Like You Mean It.” These singles are doing extraordinarily well, staying up high on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The lead singer, Brandon Flowers (who is only 22), has an oddly soothing edgy sound to his young voice that flows smoothly around a small dorm room that needs to quickly be energized. Even if you were never really interested in this alternative side of punk before, just give Hot Fuss a try and you will soon become a slight head-banger with pride. The band also contains the very talented musical styles of David Keuning (guitar), Mark Stoermer (bass) and Ronnie Vannucci (drums). Altogether the album’s sound is clean cut, inoffensive, fresh and, honestly, a relaxing break from bands that play their instruments too hard and too loud. You don’t have to worry about getting sick of any of the tracks-so go ahead and rock that repeat button.

These boys are constantly being compared to other bands that are making their way to the cool crowd’s playlists, such as Franz Ferdinand and Interpol. Don’t be afraid to check out their site at www.thekillersmusic.com.

Hot Fuss, the band’s debut, includes all their top singles and more. They have been hailed as the next big thing, but could arguably be considered the current big thing. The proof being that the album is already close to being on Billboard’s Top Ten list for albums. Their next album won’t be out for a while, because right now The Killers are on the road doing a Europe/U.S. tour for the rest of the year. If you want to get a good look at these four 20-something-year-old rockers then pick up the February issue of Rolling Stone’s one big nemesis: Spin. If you are lucky enough to see them live before all their shows are sold out, then rock on.