Tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 21, will see the release of The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers’ third solo record, and it veers in a direction that some fans may not have expected from the pop-rocker.
Thrasher (Island Records) is a country adjacent album, leaning heavily into twangy instrumentals and storytelling. To me, it feels like Cinematic Americana with its big builds and choruses.
Slower and more somber moments strip away the big feel of the band and allow Brandon space to tell a tale, and much of the writing is pretty impressive.
I tip my hat to any artist (especially one so well established) who is willing to jump into new sonic territory, even if sometimes it doesn’t work out.
Luckily for Brandon though, it does. Mostly.
While some moments feel a tad phoned in, much of the record is genuinely enjoyable, and big in so many ways. This style really seems to lend Brandon a lot of room for storytelling, and it shows quite well.
There are moments that felt reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen; not just lyrically, but musically, and I find that fitting for this sound.
I think longtime fans can find a lot of good in this shift of sound and I commend Brandon for making a leap and doing what he wants to do, the fact that it works pretty well on him is just a bonus.
Strange references to Footloose, cowboy tales, and a talented backing band lay the foundation for a fairly solid and unexpected release from Mr. Flowers.
Favorite Tracks
“Plans”
“Angel”
Rating
3.7/5
Tracklist
Does It Ever Cross Your Mind?
One Of Us
Tiger’s Blood
Plans
Paradise
Miss America
Angel
The Red Ground
In A Heartbeat
An American Dream
Get Album
https://linktr.ee/brandonflowers
Connect With Brandon Flowers
https://www.brandonflowersmusic.com
Photo: Chris Phelps
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