Brandon Flower’s debut solo album is exactly that: a very solo album. There’s no opportunity to miss how much the eighties-pop era has influenced ‘Flamingo’, just the same as there’s no chance to miss the religious imagery that has been packed into the fifty-minutes or so of synth-laden soft pop, fused with elements of indie rock and eighties anthems. And with ‘Flamingo’ being one of the most eagerly awaited releases of the year, he doesn’t disappoint his legion of fans.
The style of the album is set from the off in opener ‘Welcome to Famous Las Vegas’. Already he’s speaking about his hometown in Nevada, but within the first verse we hear references to ‘God’, ‘Disciples’ and ‘Hosanna’. Flowers has made no secret of the importance of religion on his life, but ‘Flamingo’ is crammed with everything from ‘dreamers, harlots and sins’ to ‘redemption, devils, angels and sacred roads’. And all to a soft-pop background. But it’s not as overwhelming as it may seem.
‘Las Vegas’ works well as the first track; atmospheric from the first note, sung soulfully and building into a powerful pop song laced with soft indie rock. Flowers dips into his childhood frequently, referring back to his childhood and early memories, and that is mirrored by ‘Only The Young’. Again filled with religious and personal metaphors, it’s a soulful ballad that builds with every listen and will make a good second single.
Followed by a quicker duet with Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) ‘Hard Enough’, ‘Flamingo’s’ opening three songs build momentum brilliantly for ‘Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts’. Instantly memorable, it builds into a pacy and catchy guitar pop song that we have come to relate to Flowers and is the album’s highlight. It would make a great third single.
‘Jacksonville’, with a Pet Shop Boys feel, has a darker and seductive beat that entices and album ender ‘Right Behind You’ has a beautifully touching vocal, while ‘Crossfire’ now reveals itself as a good choice for a lead single. The synth-laced ballad, filled with religious imagery and a catchy chorus, sums up ‘Flamingo’ well. The church-styled hymn ‘On The Floor’ is also well worth a listen, and country-influenced ‘The Clock Was Tickin’’ is an entertaining toe-tapper.
But as albums always do, there are a few dull moments. Bright and bubbly ‘Was It Something I Said?’ is the first throwaway song, followed swiftly by the instantly forgettable ‘Swallow It’ and ‘I Came Here to Get Over You’ leaves no impression at all. But three poor tracks out of fourteen isn’t bad.
All in all, it’s a very solid first solo effort. It is refreshing to have Brandon back; his lyrical talents and recognisable melodies that made the Killers are something that the charts miss and we are returned to them here, showing just how much influence he has on his band. The religious images and themes may grow a bit tiresome towards the end and sure, there are a few duds on ‘Flamingo’. But it’s mostly Killer and only a small amount of filler (see what I did there? I apologise for the terrible pun). A strong start and good finish ensures that this lives up well to the anticipation heaped on it.
And here is, in my opinion, the best song on the album, 'Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts'. Enjoy.
NWR
It's a brilliant album & 'Jilted Lovers, Broken Hearts' is a good choice for strongest track.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the 'throwaway' songs though, you should give them a second/third/fourth go. Flower's strange style always grows on you after a few attempts.
Greeat review! :)
"Mostly Killer and only a small amount of filler" good one.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes i agree that is a good song, I want to listen to whole album now, maybe will be my next purchase.
Great review mate, tell me when your in NME :D
ReplyDeleteBut definitely agree, there are a few naff songs in the album, but on the whole it's pretty good, especially Hard Enough and Only The Young.