The Killers Review, Motorpoint Arena Sheffield 8/11/12

Having taken a brief hiatus post their 2008 third studio album 'Day And Age' from 2010-2011, which saw the release of a flurry of solo albums (Brandon Flowers - 'Flamingo', Ronnie Vannucci - 'Big Talk', Mark Stoermer - 'Another Life'), Las Vegas unveiled their much anticipated fourth studio album 'Battle Born' in September to mixed reviews. Rather than dwelling on the varying critiques, the quarter have hit the road and their fans have come a flocking to witness their latest stage show.

However, before the sold out Sheffield audience at the Motorpoint Arena can catch a glimpse of their favourite epic indie rockers, they are treated to a half an hour set by cult Canadian duo Tegan & Sara. Despite a career that has spanned an impressive 15 years and 7 studio albums (with album 8 to drop in early 2013), Tegan & Sara have failed to make any lasting impression on the UK music scene. But, as their competent set proves, the pairing have managed to perfect folk with attitude.

Though their early punkish outings were missed from the evening's retrospective setlist, signature song 'Walking With A Ghost' and upcoming single, the poppier 'Closer' captured the audience's attentions and the duo may have found more than a few new fans.

Having already stated a difficulty in selecting the tracklist for their latest tour, with four albums (and an impressive 16 singles) to choose from, the audience are on the edge of their seat as the quartet casually take to the stage with the house lights still up and launch in to the immediately recognisable 'Mr Brightside'. As the audience erupts into a cacophony of screams and singalong, it is clear that The Killers are set for a night of adoration. Having captured the audience's attention, The Killers waste little time in promoting their recent UK number 1 album, 'Battle Born' as they sandwich the slow burn 'The Way It Was' between two of their most adored songs - 'Mr Brightside' and 'Smile Like You Mean It'.

Brandon Flowers has never been the most conventional of frontmen, but dressed in a black waistcoat and trousers, the 31 year old cuts as striking figure as he reaps the rewards of his 12 year stint in The Killers. Perhaps at his most mellow and mainstream, Flowers is still part Las Vegas showman, part cheesy quiz show host and part preacher as he segways from hit to hit. While his between song interjections are at times baffling, there is no denying the sheer intense, rich beauty of his vocal. Sounding even better than his finest hour on record, Flowers hits every note and sends shivers and tingles at every opportunity.

Though their unforgettable 2004 debut album 'Hot Fuss' dominates the setlist, it is fair to say that The Killers play to their strengths and deliver a set that contains highlights and insights into all four of their studio albums, fusing them with a stage show full of pyrotechnics and stage craft that ensure each and every song makes full impact. While there are definite audience favourites - 'Somebody Told Me', 'All The Things I've Done', 'Human' and 'When We Were Young' - Flowers and his friends deliver a set that never relents and entertains from start to finish. Truly impressive.