Much like a boyfriend who looks like a girlfriend, the refrain “Heaven’s so far from a place like this” bears a striking resemblance to the “Somebody Told Me” lyric “Heaven ain’t close in a place like this.” But Emeralds infuse the line with road-weary swarthiness and dark romanticism, exactly the vibe the Killers have spent several albums trying to capture. Musically, Emeralds touchstones include Hawkwind and Blue Cheer, but the Seattle sextet never ventures so far into the fuzzy psychedelic vortex that it obscures its hooks or muffles its raucousness. For example, “In These Days” reaches the eleven-minute mark (longer live, given that the recorded version’s fade ending translates as an ellipsis) without wasting time on obscure tangents. Sharp pace changes, dual-guitar harmonic solos and drum-roll eruptions keep these epic songs compelling throughout their durations. The Hammond organ’s churchy tones lend a sacred element, offering sanctuary to characters whose vices are killing them. Emeralds concerts also provide salvation, especially for those who didn’t know they – or rock shows – needed saving.

Fri., Jan. 2, 9 p.m., 2009