Album Review: Imploding the Mirage by The Killers

The pioneers of arena rock in the 2000’s, The Killers are back with an album at a time when the only rock and roll that is possible is in our homes with our headphones on or music blasting from our speakers. This situation isn’t stopping the rock band to make music and even the lack of their long time guitarist, Dave Keuning, has stopped them in any manner. ‘Imploding The Mirage’ is an attempt at a Springsteenian open road epic: a start-to-finish onslaught of distinctly American imagery and myth making without any of the cheeky diversions or disco daffiness that tends to subvert The Killers more straight-laced and stadium sized songwriting impulses. Nearly every song on this record feels like an arena banger. There is no sense of subtlety in the entire record and everything seems to be cranked up to a 10. The record is laced with gorgeous synths and instrumental solo alongside Brandon Flowers’ ranging vocals which sound beautiful than ever. Combining everything we get these preposterously brilliant postcard-worthy aphorisms that breathes life into our isolated lives.

Here’s a look at my favourites from this album

• My Own Soul’s Warning: the beauty of this song is that whilst giving us the feel of a classic ‘The Killers’ song it somehow paints the picture of a new era for them as well as their fans. The gorgeous instrumentals and vivid imagery that the band paints on this cut elevates this album to a level that transcends the listeners into the world of ‘Imploding The Mirage’. 

• Blowback: the song sounds perfect for a Western themed movie with the gorgeous voice of Flower, this seems like the perfect crossover for country and rock. Talking about a girl stealing everyone’s attention Brandon’s story telling is always on point throughout the record and this song is just an example of that.

• Dying Breed: lamenting on how the contemporaries of his generation refrain the conventions of old-fashioned love due to the cynical nature towards such traditional values, Brandon and the group make sure they get the arena status on this cut. 

• Caution: the guitar solo by Lindsay Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac’s lead guitarist, is perhaps the most unexpected moment on this album and it is one of the best solos I’ve heard in the recent times. This song slaps incredibly hard and I think is a tribute from Brandon to his wife. 

• Lightning Fields: with a feature from K.D. Lang, this song showcases the relationship of Brandon’s parents. The bridge comprises  of both the singers singing together and it’s the most beautiful moment of this whole album.

• Running Towards a Place: another example of why The Killers are still relevant and make some of the best Synth rock at this moment. Talking about a place which would be devoid of any problems and hardships, the buildup to the last crescendo takes the cake. A song that’s perfect for a drive under the setting sun. 

• My God: the best thing about the features on this project is that they perfectly with Flower’s voice, adding to the song’s overall appeal. This arena rock anthem talks about lifting the weight of a controlling relationship and breaking free which Brandon pulls off in the best manner. 

• When the Dreams Run Dry: there’s a prominent Synth that runs throughout this song which is reminiscent of the 80’s Synth pop wave. The small peculiar elements in this song like that chopper sound at the very end and the keys at the start add layers to this song which all adds to the beauty of the track. 

• Imploding the Mirage: the album closing with the titular track a perfect album closer in my opinion. The album comes a full circle combining all the elements that we’ve seen in this entire project. Imploding the Mirage to me means coming out of your delusions that you’ve created and facing the real world and that’s what I think Brandon Flower is talking about as well. 

This album has consistency throughout its runtime and there isn’t a moment on the entire track list that feels forced. There is something about long drawn songs which these new age 2 mins songs can’t achieve. The cohesion on this project makes it one of the best rock albums that I’ve heard this year. The Killers without their guitarist have set out on a quest to establish a new era for the band. It might have put up a lot of challenges but Brandon takes them and tosses them out of the park. The choruses are exhilarating, the melodies are cascading and the musical arrangement is elaborate, even by The Killers standard. This is equivalent to a victory lap and they’ve given their fans a project that we’ll be having on repeat for a long time. I give this album an 8.5/10. Here’s a link to the album.