Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2007 > September > 14 > Entry
ACL: The Killers
The darkness glittered with the screens of phones and Blackberries, and I wove through a horde of people at the AMD stage texting each other, photographing each other, and then animatedly comparing text messages and photographs. Peering around, it suddenly struck me — everyone watching the Killers was the same age. Was there some kind of curfew in effect for everyone over 30?
After three songs, I realized it was just the Hiphugger Principle. People who lived through a fashion trend the first time around generally sit out the revival, so if you were born before 1980, you’re probably pretty much already done with the portentous swaths of synth that are the Killers’ stock in trade. The Las Vegas band can’t seem to make up its mind whether it wants to be the Cure, U2, Bruce Springsteen or maybe the Alarm, but it does have a consistent predilection for those keyboard sounds that are the sonic equivalent of the cloud of smoke that, naturally, cloaked the group by the end of its set.
Singer Brandon Flowers has the kind of powerful voice that was just made for stadiums, but it didn’t always seem to command the attention of the crowd. “This River is Wild” and “Uncle Johnny,” from the Killers’ sophomore release “Sam’s Town,” aimed for weightiness but edged more toward pomposity. They didn’t get the fans hopping like the new-wavey “Somebody Told Me” and “Smile Like You Mean It,” from the 2004 debut “Hot Fuss.” The end of “Mr. Brightside,” another catchy, jittery hit from “Hot Fuss,” created a major exodus for the exit or other stages. Those who left missed “Read My Mind,” the strongest of the new tunes, and the sight of some couples improbably swing dancing to “All These Things That I’ve Done,” as the synths swelled even louder and Flowers emoted over and over: “I got soul but I’m not a soldier.”
Follow Austin Music Source on Facebook and Twitter.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: ACL Festival
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.
By Joe
September 15, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Wow. Where in the world were you for the Killers set? The crowd around me was as diverse as it was all day. Hard to understand why you’re so bitter (and if you’re so bitter towards a band, why bother going to see them?). Good set from a good band, probably the most entertaining one of the day that I saw.
By Festival Fan
September 15, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
I am not sure that Parry actually made it to the Killers concert as there were plenty of over 30s at this show. Maybe he just made it up to the front, where I am sure that the younger crowd dominated the numbers of older concertgoers.
Why would the band want to become the Cure, U2, Springsteen, or the Alarm, when they have proved that they are their own band, the Killers. Am I a huge Killers fan, no. But I thought that I would listen to the show….and they sure delivered a powerful performance.
As alluded to in the review, the lead singer has a strong voice and he gave an amazing performance throughout the entire set. They were certainly a highlight for the first day of the fest. I guess we agree to disagree. My other top picks for the day: Bela Fleck and Joss Stone. I can’t for today.
By Eric
September 15, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
What is it with these critics that have something against The Killers!? I get the feeling that that alot of them go to the concert with the preconceived idea that they don’t like Brandon Flowers and think he is pretentious, so they are going to pan The Killers! I think it is hillarious that critics keep comparing them to bands that they sound nothing like, because Rolling Stone compares them to those same bands. Anyone that has ever picked up an instrument can appreciate the complexities of The Killers music, especially the songs off of Sam’s Town. I am 31 and saw plenty of people that were my age and older (and I was only about 10 yards away from the stage). This show was the most packed ACL show I have ever attended and the crowd was much more involved than any other ACL show I have ever seen. The Killers have brought the spectacle of rock back to a younger generation that never got to experience the days when good rock bands could sell out arenas. The only thing that I didn’t like about this show was the fact that I REALLY had to pee and couldn’t even dream of making it out of the throngs of people and make it back before the show was over. And that was five minutes after the Queens of The Stoneage walked off stage. The Killers really make an effort to put on a show. I loved the moment when Brandon Flowers wiped his face off with a towel and said, “Man, I don’t know how you people do it! Where we’re from it’s hot, but it’s a dry heat!” Then the drummer and guitarist started clapping for the audience. It was nice to see a band that has made it on a large scale show appreciation for fans….and at a festival, no less! The prolonged version of “All These Thing’s That I’ve Done”, was a goose bump inducing, thrill of a sing along! I will never forget Flowers standing on top of the piano, with a mic stand raised in the air, urging the crowd to sing “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier”. The crowd obliged and sang along, at the top of their lungs, to a song that will be later seen as an anthem for this decade! I’m glad I can say that I was there for that!
By Dani
September 15, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Amen, Eric!
By Annie
September 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
The Killers was much worse than the above reviews. BF voice is lame and weak. You deserve a much better headliner Austin/ACL!
By Mark
September 17, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
He was referring to the onstage area. Above the stage for all guest/artist band access- there were few people over 30…I was there.
By Bill
September 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
I also wonder if this critic even saw the show. He says that everyone left after Mr. Brightside, and they missed Read My Mind. However, Mr. Brightside was played immediately after Read My Mind.
By jimmypearl
September 18, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
yes i am 51 years old i saw the killers enuff said!!
By dave
September 18, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
i suspect parry is young (under 30)with relatively limited exposure to a broad array of bands spanning many decades of music and this hinders his ability to judge the killers. i have been going to concerts for four decades and have seen hundreds of bands. this was a good show from a good band with a unique sound. the killers are certainly not the cure, u2 or springsteeen ‘wannabes’.
By adriana
September 22, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
I am 38. Saw Killers and sang along every word and danced my *** off the whole set. Was glad to find likeminded 30somethings to enjoy the show with. Good crowd, good attitude, great set by The Killers. Best show of that day for me.