With “Sam’s Town,” the follow-up to their debut

“Hot Fuss,” The Killers show that the sophomore slump won’t be of concern to the band.

“Sam’s Town” contains many of the same elements that gave The Killers success with “Hot Fuss.”

Though it is toned down, the synth-pop sound that defines the band is still present. However, “Sam’s Town” has a much heavier rock sound overall.

The record’s first single, “When You Were Young,” is the most memorable track of the album. With an infectious guitar hook and a chorus that drives its way into your head, “When You Were Young” is sure to propel “Sam’s Town” to a high position on the Billboard charts.

The Killers also make use of orchestral arrangements on a few songs on “Sam’s Town.”

“Sam’s Town,” the album’s title track, opens with a dramatic chorus of violins that shakes the listener, as if to say, “Pay attention, stupid. This is pretty cool.”

The high level of energy established by this introduction continues throughout the song and makes “Sam’s Town” one of the best efforts on the album.

The Killers also seem to have borrowed a page or two on writing songs that push a dramatic, opus-like sound from bands like Queen. “Why Do I Keep Counting,” “This River Is Wild” and “Bling (Confessions of a King)” remind the listener of a rock opera.

These songs are dramatic but don’t ever cross the line into over dramatic status and are great, as a result.

“Bones” is one of the songs on “Sam’s Town” that has a unique sound. The song uses heavy rock riffs with big band-style horns as backing melody.

The horns create a sound that I can only describe as “rock-lounge band,” which doesn’t mean that you’ll see The Killers playing at the Ramada Inn Lounge by the airport anytime soon.

Despite the contradictory music styles used in “Bones,” it pulls together to make a song that’s easy to enjoy.

Fans of The Killers shouldn’t expect another record that sounds like “Hot Fuss.” However, “Sam’s Town” is a great record that won’t disappoint.