For anyone who thinks that frontman Brandon Flowers is The Killers, then take a listen to “Getaways,” the debut single from the band’s drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr., recording as Big Talk (with Taylor Milne on lead guitar). The bearded talent shall hide behind the skins no longer.

“Getaways” is a catchy synth-rock song that could be part of The Cars’ catalogue (old or new model), though in the moments when Vannucci isn’t coming off like Ric Ocasek, one can’t quite shake a similarity to Flowers’ voice. Vannucci may not be breaking new ground with “Getaways,” but that’s not exactly The Killers’ game either. I’ve got nothing against honoring one’s musical heroes if the output delivers on the inspiration, and Big Talk hits the mark with “Getaways.”

Big Talk is out 7/12, produced by Joe Chicarelli (Manchester Orchestra, Young The Giant) and mixed by Alan Moulder, who’s no stranger to The Killers, having pitched in on Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town. Maybe the eponymous LP will fare better than Flowers’ Flamingo did last fall.

According to Vannucci, we don’t have too much longer to wait for new material from The Killers, who’ve been on hiatus since January 2010 (with the occasional violation). He told London’s XFM that they’re getting together next week to work on “piles of songs.”

Purchase Big Talk – “Getaways” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.