Battle BornIsland ****

Having conquered the pop- indie divide with Hot Fuss and Sam's Town, The Killers got in touch with their inner Pet Shop Boys a bit too much for guitar- rock fans on their third album, Day and Age. It sold less than previous releases, so there is a lot resting on how Battle Born sounds and performs. One listen to Runaways is enough to assure that The Killers are back to their melodic bluster best. There's more than a hint of Asbury Park Springsteen here, coupled with some great stadium-friendly riffage. On Here With Me they've found a new gear; it's a poignant ballad that will be the live show highlight. On Miss Atomic Bomb and Be Still they add more textures to an already heady mix. At times The Killers nudge towards overwrought, but they probably have points to prove, so you can forgive them their slight over-earnestness. No problems, though, with pulling singles off this fine collection. thekillersmusic.com

Download tracks:Runaways, Here With Me, Be Still