Narc. Magazine Online
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Niamh Poppleton discovers an introspective album from the Killers frontman in which he harks back to the country sound favoured in his youth
Island Records
Released: 21.08.26
In a dramatic departure from the alt. rock style of The Killers, Brandon Flowers’ solo album Thrasher forays into the country landscape. Throughout, Flowers explores facets of coming-of-age through the myopic lens of country-western-style longing and intensely introspective lyricism.
The ten-track album opens with Does It Ever Cross Your Mind?, a deeply personal consideration of the nature and reality of beauty, positivity and creation. Aided by a vivacious harmonica, lively drums and undoubtedly folk-infused guitars, Flowers sings of the beauty of the small things in life. This buoyant exploration of life extends into consideration of community and human relationships in the equally lively One Of Us, though with the additional soft musings of a backing choir to aid Flowers’ powerful voice.
Paradise holds his memories of growing up in Las Vegas, fears of falling behind and the vivid characterisation of ‘Sin City’. Accompanied by a paced guitar, leisurely drums and angelic harmonies, Flowers recollects a deep longing for the “shadows of [his] dreams” in his teen years.
Arguably the standout track, Miss America, takes shape through reading the deeply contemplative words of a letter, as Flowers reflects on his early childhood. The track considers themes of love, family and the past, using a much slower pace than the rest of the album to reflect its wistful nature. Miss America is quieter and carefully sung, as though deep care is being taken for the vulnerable nature of the track in every word.
Drawing the album to a close, An American Dream is similarly slow, and deeply thoughtful, as Flowers considers the tenacity of his stardom in conjunction with his religion. Throughout, its music becomes increasingly louder at points in a reflection of increasing desperation. As the song comes to an end, however, the aforementioned choir of previous tracks resurfaces, declaring in a powerful plea: “take me back home”, in a profound assertion of the power of faith over materialism.
Thrasher is brimming with emotional exposure, heartfelt lyricism and a powerful return to the country-western music of his youth: an undeniably excellent composition for country and broad-minded The Killers fans alike.
