The Killers, Imploding the Mirage | Album Review 💿

Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci Jr., the sole remaining members of The Killers drop an awesome sixth album with Imploding the Mirage.

The Killers have a very impressive discography, though admittedly, I’m biased.  Yes, I’ve been a fanboy of Brandon Flowers and company since my college days, when “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside” weren’t ‘kind of’ but were ‘definitely a big deal.’ Since the mid-aughts, the band has continued to churn out new music, always adding a new song that can be considered a ‘gem’ in the process.  The Las Vegas band’s sixth album, Imploding the Mirage, ranks among my favorites.  It definitely includes some of their best work.

“My Own Soul’s Warning”

✓ “My Own Soul’s Warning” commences Imploding the Mirage with tremendous energy – understatement.  This is the exemplification of ‘go big or go home!’ The production is epic and turned up to the nth degree.  Furthermore, Brandon Flowers is locked-in and from the jump. He shows poise on the verse, but kicks things up a notch beginning with the pre-chorus (“I tried going against my own soul’s warning / And in the end, something just didn’t feel right”). He absolutely soars on the chorus, flexing his gorgeous tone as well as how truly powerful and potent he can be.

“But then I thought I could fly
And when I hit the ground
It made a messed up sound
And it kept on rattling through my days
And cutting up my nights
Like a goddamn knife
And it got me thinking, no matter how far
I just wanted to get back to where you are.”

Following up “My Own Soul’s Warning” is a tall task – it’s nothing short of amazing. No worries, as ✓ “Blowback” keeps Imploding the Mirage on the up and up.  It’s not as dynamic as the opener, but its well-written, and again, the not-so-secret weapon Brandon Flowers remains the front man – hello! Once more, there is another amazing chorus that’s both tuneful and actually pretty catchy. Furthermore, there’s a traditional, sort of classic rock sound that’s reminiscent of Sam’s Town.

“Dying Breed” 

The rhythmic machine created from the start of ✓ “Dying Breed” is definitely sweet.  It instantly garners the listener’s interest before Flowers sings a note.  Again, The Killers continue on without missing a beat.  Poise is the calling card early on but when that chorus kicks in – man, oh man! Brandon steps his game (and dynamic level) up, and the backdrop is definitely what heaven feels like – in a neo New Wave sort of way!   

“I’m throwin’ caution, what’s it gonna be? / Tonight, the winds of change are blowing wild and free.” ✓ “Caution” served as the first indication that Imploding the Mirage was going to be a special Killers record.  After an enigmatic intro with pads and slow-moving, restrained vocals, soon enough, “Caution” embraces groove, a quick tempo, increased dynamics, and those signature expressive, powerful pipes.  In addition to showcasing his personality, Flowers has some great, narrative-driven lyrics to work with.  “Let me introduce you to the featherweight queen,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “She got Hollywood eyes, but she can’t shoot what she sees.”  On the second, the lyrics continue to be descriptive – thoughtfully penned: “Never had a diamond on the sole of her shoes / Just blacktop white trash straight out of the news.” Wow.  Of course, the centerpiece is the aforementioned chorus.  It’s a dogfight between “My Own Soul’s Warning” and “Caution” for crowning achievement honors.

“Lightning Fields” 

“I just wanted to run my fastest and stand beside you in / Lightning field of love…” “Lightning Fields” provides some contrast to Imploding the Mirage, well, to an extent. Initially a bit more calm, cool, and collected, the record eventually delivers its own huge moments.  Here, Flowers enlists Grammy-winner k.d. lang for the assist – certainly unexpected but of course, highly effective on the bridge. The sounds continue to hearken back to the past.  

Single ✓ “Fire in Bone” features more colorful production including atmospheric pads, robust bass line, and an infectious groove.  The ear candy is ample, both musically and vocally. His pitch is imperfect and wobbly at times, but that’s been part of his charm over the years. “Fire in Bone” is definitely intriguing, though also a bit quirky. Even if it’s ‘left of center’ in some respects, the form is pretty standard, save for an additional refrain section in addition to the chorus that reappears.  Lyrically, “Fire in Bone” has its moments as well like, “I felt washed up / I felt tempest-tossed and seasick / But I felt fire in bone.” Some moments are simpler and more minimal early on, making the record slightly confusing initially. Still, quite worthwhile.

“Running Towards a Place” 

The 80s continue to be alive and well in 2020 with ✓ “Running Towards a Place.” Continual driving rhythm, exuberant guitars, and bright keyboards make this an easy sell. Again, Brandon Flowers is in top-notch form, with more great lyrics propelling him even higher.  Exhibit A:

“The moment we met
Burst like a star
Onto the canvas of the skyline, purple and gold
We’re in this together, I ain’t never letting go.” 

Where melody, harmony, and timbre are concerned, “My God” serves up some delightful, ear catching moments.  I love the blend of Flowers and featured guest Weyes Blood on the chorus section – another big-time, high-flying happening. Also, Weyes’ bridge is a nice contrast between the final two choruses.

The longest song on Imploding the Mirage is the penultimate track, ✓ “When the Dreams Run Dry.” The length is no drawback, let me tell you.  In this case, we’ll gladly take the 4:42 and request more for that matter. Like everything else on the album, there’s lots to appreciate, respect, and go plum gaga over.  The production and musical cues set atop the list of pros, while Brandon remains Brandon in all his glory. I consider most of Imploding the Mirage ambitious, but “When the Dreams Run Dry” takes it to another level. “Imploding the Mirage” caps off this relatively tight, dynamic album in big, spirited fashion.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, The Killers – primarily Brandon Flowers – deliver the goods on Imploding the Mirage.  This is a big, consistent, and well-executed album, period.  All the boxes are checked off when it comes to embodying what we expected from the band that’s been going strong since 2004. Is it slightly too big or too much at times? Perhaps, but beyond that nitpick, I dare you find some big, glaring con.

✓ Gems: “My Own Soul’s Warning,” “Blowback,” “Dying Breed,” “Caution,” “Fire in Bone,” “Running Towards a Place” & “When the Dreams Run Dry” 

The Killers • Imploding the Mirage • Island • Release: 8.24.20

Photo Credit: Island