The atmosphere in Magness Arena last Friday was positively buzzing for The Killers’ concert, one of many stops on the band’s 2009 world tour.

The opening band, M83, shoegazers from Antibes, France, took the stage to rev up the crowd.

Although the band’s sound is a bit dated and seems more suited to be played over the end credits of a B-grade 1980s horror flick, the performance was solid enough.

M83 burned quickly through the set and warmed up the audience, departing the stage hastily just as impatient grumblings in the audience for The Killers started to become audible.

But fans were in for an hour-long wait before the main act took the stage.

No explanation was ever given, no apologies for the wait, not even a “thank you for your patience” from anyone. One would think that if the Magness Arena can charge $8 per beer, then they could get someone to explain why we were waiting for so long.

It is fortunate, though, that The Killers put on such an exceptional show.

As the first notes sounded from the dark stage, the crowd went wild.

The Killers opened with “Losing Touch” and “Spaceman,” the first two tracks on their new album, Day and Age. Both songs feature a blend of The Killers’ retro sound combined with modern elements, serving as an excellent bridge between those who’ve been with the band since its inception in 2002 and those just now becoming familiar with their music.

“We’re really glad to be here tonight,” said lead singer Brandon Flowers. “Now here’s one of the songs that got us started.”

With that, he launched into “Somebody Told Me,” the first single from the band’s debut album, Hot Fuss.

The Killers followed up with “Smile Like You Mean It,” another older track, before moving back into new territory.

Over the course of their hour-long set, the Killers spanned seven years of material, playing a substantial number of tracks from Day and Age, along with a sizable showing from their sophomore album Sam’s Town (including the hit single “When You Were Young”) and the aforementioned Hot Fuss.

The light show accompanying most tracks was impressive and in the distinctive retro style that made The Killers so popular in the first place.

A bulb screen flashed a variety of colors and even played video images at times.

The Killers concluded its main set with fan favorites “Mr. Brightside” and “All These Things That I’ve Done” before thanking the audience and departing.

Fans demanded an encore and the band obliged with a rousing performance of “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine.” Sparks showered the stage, actually managing to set off the fire alarm once the set was complete.

It is both surprising and impressive that The Killers, a band that seems so heavily reliant on electronic components, could put on such a good show.

Usually such bands feel mechanical or somehow not truly present during their performances.

The Killers are a resounding exception. Flowers danced between instruments and made efforts to involve the audience whenever possible.

Their excellence in both live and recorded sessions proves that, while they may not be soldiers, they’ve definitely got soul.