James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
To dispel a few myths that I’m sure are still floating about, Brandon Flowers has not left the Killers. Yes, this is a solo album, but it was written as a Killers album until the boys decided they needed a break after seven years of writing and touring. So I’ll try not to talk about that fact anymore.
Another fact I’ll put out there is that I’m a massive Killers fan. In 2003 I heard ‘Somebody Told Me’ and rushed out to buy Hot Fuss which resulted in me diving head first into loving indie. Right, with that aside, I’ll try and keep things objective and keep The Killers comparisons to the minimum. Mr Flowers, take it away. The first offering we heard was ‘Crossfire’ about a month ago which brings back memories of ‘Sam’s Town’ (leaving The Killers to one side lasted less than a sentence). It’s fantastically rocky and has vocals to lull you to a world of magically good tunes, setting the theme for the album.
There are a few other tunes on the album like ‘Only The Young’ that follow familiar Killers rock sound and ‘Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts’ will bring back memories of any number of Killers tracks under the themes of jealousy and betrayal, however Brandon’s gone for something stand-alone on this record. The influence of Las Vegas (his home town) is obvious throughout, another link to ‘Sam’s Town,’ but he stops short of over-doing it. This is very eclectic from Mr Flowers, he’s obviously put a lot of thought into his tracks, and in a world of solo artists who rehash their one hit into every track on an album to be filler, Brandon only goes for Killer (brilliant pun, even if I say so myself).
It all feels a bit soulful and mellow at first but only seems to grow on you as you listen through the tracks. This is a bit of a gem from the Killers front man and while I’ll be more looking forward to The Killers return, Brandon’s proven he can go out there and do it on his own. In a word, impressive.
Like it? Try The Cure, Muse, Duran Duran and The Smiths.
Flamingo - Out Now - ★★★★☆
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