The CHIEF February 2022

Music

Review

By Mason Christianson

Album Review: Hot Fuss

Seldom has there been a single quite as well-received and critically praised as Mr. Brightside by the Killers. The instrumentation is full and nostalgic, the vocal performance is grandiose, and the lyrics are so terribly relatable. However, the subsequent album the band released in 2004 would become one of the best rock albums of all time. Hot Fuss will remain in the rock canon for decades to come because of the original sound and the great musicians making up the band. First, the sound of Hot Fuss is very diverse throughout the run time. Tracks range from instrumentations including bright, clean-sounding trumpets to distorted synths. The sounds create a flow of music that the listener can get lost in and never stay consistently engaged. Another great part about the album’s sound is the nostalgic feel. Throughout the runtime of the record, listeners will be filled with childlike wonder and a sense of that carefree spirit. The songs are so catchy and upbeat, so listeners won’t want to turn the album off. Another reason the album is so good is due to the musicians that make up The Killers. Brendan Flowers, the band’s frontman, lead songwriter, and keyboardist, is maybe one of the best songwriters of all time. The songs have such fun melodies and the instruments are not just accompaniment--they have a purpose in the song. The bassist, Mark Stoermer, plays the bass with such velocity to propel the songs forward. Dave Keuning has such an aggressive feel to his guitar playing that makes the album feel more rock n roll. The drums are also so powerful and unique with the toms and cymbal choices which proves how creative Ronnie Vanucci Jr. is as a drummer. Overall, The Killers put themselves on the rock and roll map with their first album due to their catchy and punchy sound. Hot Fuss is proof that indie rock can be just as compact and powerful as metal and heavy rock.