Brandon Flowers

This album was apparently going to be the Killers 5th album, but after a non-stop journey to stardom the rest of the band wanted some time off. Rather than put the material on hold, he choose to record it alone. If this is correct, it may have compromised the recording somewhat. If this was to be a Killers album, the production and musical direction may have been quite to different to that of a ‘solo’ artist. However, we will never know, unless the killers do decide to re-record the whole album at some later stage in their career!

So what we get is quite a mellowed out Brandon Flowers, with a hint of Country niggling in the background. It all kicks off with the wonderful ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ which is as close as you’ll get to The Killers here. It’s a slow burner but flourishes in the grandiose way The Killers are so good at.

Elsewhere, next single ‘Hard Enough’ is the next standout track, with fellow Las Vegas singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis adding some great countrified harmonies; this is slightly reminiscent of Snow Patrol’s liaison with Martha Wainwright on ‘Set the Fire to the Third Bar’. ‘Was It Something I Said’ is quite Elvis Costello, whilst ‘Magdalena’ is pop through and through, and a sure fire future single with chantey opening and catchy chorus.

‘Only The Young’ is Flowers at his best vocally, emotionally conveying his voice beautifully – simple yet effective track. ‘Playing With Fire’ is equally emotive and again shows the strong vocal talent of Brandon Flowers.

The end result of Flamingo (named after a casino in Vegas!) is a well crafted album, that lacks the musical breadth a band could deliver, but adds a certain intimacy that a band often fails to deliver. It was a wise decision to record this material as it does deserve to be aired.

Will be interesting if his next release will be as a solo artist or a Killer?