The Killers match postpunk guitars with a synthesizer overlay that recalls '80s New Wave without burying their sound in nostalgia.
 
On their debut, 'Hot Fuss,' front man Brandon Flowers plumbs his imagination for tales of murdered lovers ("Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," "Midnight Show"), voyeurism ("Mr. Brightside"), and sexual confusion (the single "Somebody Told Me"), Flowers and his mates are obviously canny students; the total effect is of a playacted obsession, but one made irresistible by their skillful, catchy songs.
 
If there's an occasional misstep (the painfully earnest line "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" from "All These Things That I've Done"), it seems of a piece with the Killers' influences.
 
	
Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
	
Mr. Brightside
	
Smile Like You Mean It
	
Somebody Told Me
	
All These Things That I've Done
	
Andy, You're A Star
	
On Top
	
Change Your Mind
	
Believe Me Natalie
	
Midnight Show
	
Everything Will Be Alright