We all know The Killers are awesome; I find them especially awesome since they’re from my hometown of Las Vegas.  So, naturally, it sort of (read: really) sucked when they went on hiatus.  Soon thereafter, I was excited to learn that frontman Brandon Flowers was releasing a solo album that would be entitled Flamingo.  This album, despite its bold Sin City pride and many allusions to my (our!) lovely desert home, was somewhat disappointing.  Without the rest of the band, Flowers relied on overdramatic vocals and an almost annoying reliance on quirky folk/country ballads that seemed desparate to distance themselves from Killers’ tracks (that said, a few Killers’ songs had a sublter version of this–more Sawdust and Sam’s Town era–that actually offered a great balance for their usual synth-pop).  But I digress. Enter Big Talk.

What I’m trying to get at here is that I’m super stoked because another member, drummer Ronnie Vannucci, is taking a shot at the solo project. Going by the aforementioned name Big Talk, Vannucci is set to release his first, self-titled album on July 12th through Epitaph.  Produced by Joe Chicarelli (who has worked with The Strokes, The Shins, Minus the Bear, and My Morning Jacket) and mixed by Alan Moulder, this album is sure to be an interesting offshoot of The Killers’ sound, especially given the feel of the first single, “Getaways”.  It’s a catchy, midtempo track that features a healthy dose of synth but doesn’t take it to over-the-top glam.  Instead, it keeps a down to earth feel and chill feel.  It takes some of the great elements of The Killers–hook-driven synth and even some weirdly Flowers-esque vocals–and grounds it with a solid, steady drum beat and mild guitars.

Big Talk – Getaways by Epitaph Records

“Getaways” is available on Itunes now, and Vannucci announced on Saturday, May 28th on his site that he’s adding another track soon: “Time for another taste! Putting the song ‘No Whiskey’ up on the iTunes, coupled with ‘Getaways’. I hope you’ll like this one, too. Keep it real.”

Definitely looking forward this this summer album, and even more to the reunion of The Killers!