The Killers’ drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. continues to build quite a case for himself as the synthpop band’s secret weapon.

Recording as Big Talk while The Killers were on hiatus, Vannucci released preview singles “Getaways” and “The Next One Living” in May and June, respectively. Last week, the self-titled Big Talk album arrived, featuring proper first single “Replica,” another Cars-like tune, this one packing a bit of The Boss’ gear in the trunk.

Not veering too far from The Killers’ lane, no? The sonic evidence on Big Talk seems to indicate that Vannucci, not frontman Brandon Flowers, has been in the driver’s seat all these years.

The “Replica” music video hitches a ride on the well-traveled road trip script, with requisite hitchiking damsel, desert landscapes, and diner visit, but with a surprising climax.

Purchase Big Talk – “Replica” via iTunes.