A solo debut album is probably the most difficult challenge in any musicians career, especially after being part of such worldwide success that was The Killers. But Brandon Flowers seems to have coped pretty well under the circumstances. 'Flamingo' is in amongst a number of solo projects from big name artists such as Julian Casablancas and Kele and much like those albums it holds true to a number of traits of the singers former band. The synths of 'Hot Fuss', the country stylings of 'Sams Town' and the bizarre pop perfection of 'Day & Age' are all in there somewhere. However I would have to say (after much consideration) this is not simply another Killers album and probably not what you were expecting. Read the rest of the review and check out my favourite tracks from the album after the beep.
The album kicks off with the highly impressive 'Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas', its distorted intro leads into a country riff narrated by soulful lyrics and gradually builds into the awe inspiring final chorus in which Flowers declares "Las Vegas, Didn't nobody tell you? Didn't nobody tell you? Didn't nobody tell you? The house always wins."
'Hard Enough' is probably the most pleasant surprise on the album, the melodic duet is something you would probably have never seen on a Killers album and one which sees Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley and a 1986 Jell-O commercial Fame) and Flowers harmonise to a stunning effect. One of my favourite tracks on the album is 'Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts' in which I think the spirit of the Killers shines through most, especially in the incredibly catchy chorus. This one has to be a single right?
Some of the tracks on the album are definitely a sign of Brandon Flowers experiments with a new brand of the Nevada-rock which he has so far perfected. Tracks like 'Magdelena' and 'Was It Something I Said?' are a welcome alternative to the Killers-esque singles 'Crossfire' and 'Swallow It', and 'On the Floor' is an impressive venture into what can only be described as gospel indie. The only tracks that left me a little underwhelmed were 'Playing With Fire' and 'Only The Young'. Both still help to make the album as impressive as it is, however neither stands out in its own right.
Overall I would describe this as a successful surprise in which Flowers experiments with a number of styles some which work immensely well and some which carry the expected difficulties of the "Solo Project".
76/100
RECOMMENDED:
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas
Hard Enough
Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts
