At least they stick to their guns. (Their Holiday guns)

If there is one thing to be said about The Killers it's that they are not afraid to commit. Despite the luke-warm response to their new "Roots-y" sound, when these boys decide to change their style, they are noble enough to commit, and commit hard. There is no better example of this dedication, than their new charity holiday single (and yes, I did say Holiday) "A Great Big Sleigh".

I love holiday music. I especially love new, high-quality holiday music (key words being high-quality). Last year, remixes took the stage as the "Christmas Remixed" albums stuffed stockings around the nation. This year, I see the rise of Indie in the holiday forecast. With releases from super-boy Sufjan Stevens (5 discs no less), The Kinks ("Father Christmas" single released today), and even Goldfrapp lending their talents to Target ads, indie bands are slowly creeping into yet another aspect of the music industry (is there anything left that indie hasn't taken over?) So who else would be more fitting to extend their reach into holiday tunes than The Killers? Their new single (released today over iTunes) benefits the (RED) Campaign, and features additional vocals from Toni Halliday.

When I first heard the track, what immediately struck me was the similarity the intro had to the 'Sam's Town' title track. Both entered with a whimsical line to introduce the tune, followed by a driving guitar on the beat supported by the keyboard and drums. To extend the continuity from thier new album, Brandon Flowers contributes his new signature vocals which manages to make the new single seem like a desperate plea from Flowers for a good holiday season. The entire package is delicately bowed with Toni Halliday's airy angelic vocals which juxtapose Flowers nicely (oddly enough). I advise hardcore Killers fans (so me.) to look into this single, but don't expect to be surprised. It's good. But like Sam's Town, nothing you'd kill for. (no pun intended.)(alright it was a little intended)

The single is up on iTunes and 100% of the procedes go to (product)RED so no freebies here. (Its a buck. for a darn good charity. come on) The video is up Dec. 7th on Yahoo Music. Head over to the bands' official site to see an interview with Brandon on the new holiday single.

The Killers - A Great Big Sleigh

The Killers Official Site
(RED) Campaign website