Up until very recently, if I’d heard that The Killers’ drummer was releasing an album of his own, I’d have been all like, “The guy with the beard? Eh. Meh. Whatevs.”

But in May, Ronnie Vennucci Jr. released “Getaways,” the first single from his solo project Big Talk, totally upending my low, distinterested expectations by coming on the scene with a killer synth-rock song modeled after The Cars.

The rambling countryside sound of “No Whiskey,” which came next, wasn’t really my bag. But last week brought the debut of a third song, building to the release of Big Talk’s eponymous album on July 12. “The Next One Living” is a beautiful Beatles-esque number, with Vennucci doing his best Paul McCartney on this midtempo tune.

Surveying the sampler trio served up so far, I’m looking forward to hear the full fruits of Vennucci’s labor. Showcasing different influences and styles, the drummer is positioned well to deliver on the promise of Big Talk, as he steps out from behind the kit and makes a name for himself outside of The Killers.

Purchase Big Talk – “The Next One Living” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.