Brandon Flowers, previously in a synth-pop outfit, was inspired by what he heard at an Oasis concert and decided that what he needed in his life was more guitars! When he saw Dave Keuning's small ad in a local paper naming that band as an influence, he took it as fate that they should work together, and the early core of the band was cemented.

Now all that the band needed was a name. In watching New Order's music video for the song "Crystal," the guys became inspired. The video features New Order playing in a fictitious band called "The Killers", and eager to try and emulate one of their idols, they decided to adopt the name.

Writing in 120 degree temperatures in the garage that became their rehearsal room provided a suitably intense hot-housing effect. It was during these pressurized sessions that The Killers wrote the bulk of the songs that were to comprise their debut album, the fittingly titled "Hot Fuss".

Word soon spread about The Killers. The band came to the attention of London-based independent label Lizard King, and they made their way over to the UK for their first ever gigs outside of Las Vegas, as well as a limited edition release of "Mr Brightside" in September 2003. The group's subsequent appearance at New York industry fiesta CMJ in October 2003 saw a huge buzz surround the band and a worldwide deal signed with Island Records.

From here, the boys set to work once more: touring the UK with British Sea Power and Stellastar; selling out their own headline shows, self-producing their record, with final mixing expertise provided by the legendary Alan Moulder (U2, Smashing Pumpkins) and Mark Needham (Fleetwood Mac), and preceding the albums release with two stellar singles, "Somebody Told Me" and "Mr Brightside".

The highly acclaimed and greatly anticipated "Hot Fuss" will hit shelves in Europe this week on the 7th March, and having already been the platform from which the band have made their remarkably swift ascent to prominence in the UK and US, is sure to be a must have in any discerning music fans collection. New wave-angular and totally fresh, much of the album has been touched with the influence of The Smiths and Duran Duran, but led by their debonair lead singer, The Killers both look back to a past high in music history, and simultaneously look forward with their own unique take on the sound. Yes, the Killers are in serious danger of making indie cool again!

So join us this week as we welcome The Killers with open arms, and look on the "Brightside" by making them our artist of the week, because "Somebody Told Me" that these guys are gonna be huge!

HH