Las Vegas band formed via Utah; Imagine Dragons emerged back in 2009 and since have gone on to release two independent EPs, link a deal with Interscope records, and capture everyone’s attention with their breakthrough single, “It’s Time.” Their major label debut EP, Continued Silence is a superb example of how great EPs can really be, easily the best the year has produced. With Night Visions the band doesn’t look to exceed expectations; instead, it continues what it started with a slew of new tracks, and four recurring ones. While it doesn’t succeed in surpassing Continued Silence, it still presents a fine set of stellar tracks worth listening to.

The biggest label the band will have to overcome is being compared to The Killers. Yes, The Killers are from Las Vegas, but this is a whole new melting pot of electronic sounds via a Brit-Pop/Alt-Rock sensibility. While The Killers seem a little more glamorous, Imagine Dragons are futuristic, with a lot more tools in their belt than you may realize.

The strength of Dan Reynolds’ vocals is not to be underestimated. It doesn’t need a lot of aiding from effects, though when it’s deemed necessary, it can bleed in with the instrumentation; “Bleeding Out” being a prime example of this. The addictability of these tracks is supplied in high quantity, there are few tracks here that you can’t tap your feet to or sing out loud, and that’s never a bad thing.

“Radioactive,” the record’s debut track, opens the listener up to an epic sonic landscape. It pulls no punches, it just goes for the knock-out blow straight away. In a way, the album never lives up to this track, but it manages to keep pushing forward. Familiar tracks like “It’s Time,” “Demons,” and “On Top of the World” are here as well as nine new tracks (well, they’re new if you haven’t listened to their previous EPs). In working with producer Alex da Kid (Eminem/Rihanna), one can certainly hear the production value brought to the table. Alex’s resume is largely contained to hip-hop/rap artists, and the signature polish that the genres provide for shines high when compared to the bands initial EPs, but that should not discourage or take away from the songwriting or the listening experience at large.

“Underdog” may be the new anthem for said individuals. It’s infectious with an Asian like melody, and vocal harmonizing on par with a Ryan Tedder/OneRepublic production. The melody itself could be a modern take on an 8-bit video game theme. The band’s second single, “Amsterdam,” is a nice track that opens, allowing the listener to ease into it. It’s complete with a large chorus to fill up the light spaces in between. “Every Night’s” opening harmony may not make the Beach Boys sit up and take notice, but it’s certainly to be envied. The style is oddly reminiscent of something that O.A.R. would do.

In many ways, this album is “Radioactive;” it’s catchy as hell, it’s got a lot to sing a long to, and it’s plenty-o-radio friendly. More than that, it’s the start to what could be a really great career in music; you’re never as great as what your fans perceive, and by the looks of it, Imagine Dragons have a long career a head of them. It will be interesting to see where they go from here, all eyes will be watching.

Rating: Stream it on Spotify or Digitally Download it (Legally of course!).

Listening co-efficient: Active Listen.

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