The Killers - Pressure Machine Album Review

It was only 12 months ago when The Killers released their critically acclaimed sixth studio album ‘Imploding The Mirage’, but the Las Vegas favourites have already pieced together a new visually charged record for you to lose yourself within. ‘Pressure Machine’ is a concept record based on lead vocalist Brandon Flowers childhood growing up in Nephi, Utah. Heavily inspired by Bruce Springsteen, this record sonically feels like you are transported back to the 80s where a little Brandon Flowers was experiencing all the pivotal things that would lead him to a life of music and art. 

Intended to be experienced by listening to it from start-to-finish this record had no singles released prior. What this meant was that all the influences and details were kept quite secret until release day so listeners could really interpret it in their own unique way, and it was probably for the best. These songs aren’t your typical anthemic The Killers tracks, instead, they’re a masterclass in storytelling. Intertwining interview excerpts at the start of each track, they use that angle to really set the scene to the listener and make it an immersive and cinematic experience. 

‘Quiet Town’ is an immediate standout with its heavy topic of tragedy that explores the loss of children in the community to being hit by a train and drugs. “In this quiet town, families are tight. Good people, they still don't deadbolt their doors at night” Flowers sings. Another standout is the Phoebe Bridgers collaboration ‘Runaway Horses’ that explores two people, who thought they would always be together, going seperate ways. It’s a beautiful and intimate track that showcases the versatility and magic behind this record. 

Buy The Killers Albums Here Including Pressure Machine

Thomas Bleach wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Thomas here