The Killers: 'We're Not Trying to Sound Like Springsteen'

Oct. 3, 2006 — -- Early reviews of the Killers' second album, "Sam's Town," say that the first single, "When You Were Young," sounds like the band went to school on early Bruce Springsteen.

But drummer Ronnie Vannucci says that's more than a bit of an overstatement.

"I think it's just one journalist going with what other journalists have said," Vannucci said in an exclusive interview with ABC News Radio.

"But that's not to throw Bruce under the bus -- 'cause he's great -- and if we're compared to Bruce Springsteen, I can definitely live with that."

While the band's first album, "Hot Fuss," was heavily influenced by British new wave, lead singer Brandon Flowers told MTV that band members were listening to the Boss when they recorded "When You Were Young."

Some critics also have called it a tribute of sorts.

Bono also figures big in the Killers' updated sound, with famed U2 producers Alan Moulder and Flood at the helm.

"Sam's Town" is clearly a more brooding album than the band's first album, which garnered five Grammy nominations and turned the Killers into one of the hottest acts in the country.

Unlike the first album, it won't inspire comparisons to such '80s acts as Duran Duran and Queen.

The title of the album comes from a casino in the neo-new wavers' hometown of Las Vegas.

Sam Boyd was one of the original developers who turned the city into the gambling paradise that it's become.

"It's not that literal," Vannucci said. "It means something different to each of us. Look up 'Sam Boyd,' and you'll see."