The Killers
Imploding The Mirage

Three years after the success of "Wonderful Wonderful" (which took them to the top of the charts both in the UK and the United States), The Killers return with this new "Imploding The Mirage."

The album's release was scheduled months ago but was postponed, like in many other cases, due to the ongoing pandemic; it is the first work of the popular American band without the contribution of guitarist (and founder) Dave Keuning, partially replaced by bassist Mark Stoermer (also part-time, as he decided five years ago not to participate in the band's tours) who handles guitar on five tracks and bass on two.

To make up for the absences, the two remaining original members, Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci, opted for a plethora of top-tier guests: first and foremost in production, we find standout names like Shawn Everett (already with four Grammys under his belt) and Jonathan Rado of the fundamental Foxygen (practically the new Midas of American indie), while the beautiful artwork was created by renowned artist Thomas Blackshear. And then the luxury guests abound: from Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who contributes with a torrential final solo to the Springsteen-esque single "Caution," to Canadian k.d. lang who enriches the delicate "Lighting Fields" (a bit of a piece that Coldplay can no longer write), to Weyes Blood in the bombastic "My God," perhaps the most eccentric track on the work. The team also includes Adam Granduciel of War On Drugs, Blake Mills, Alex Cameron, and Lucius.

An impressive array of collaborators for an album that recovers the early Killers' great love for synthesizers, making it a whole with the Springsteen-esque impetus that has enveloped Flowers and company since the masterpiece "Sam's Town." The opener "My Own Soul's Warning" is overwhelming (it's no coincidence it's the frontman's favorite track, and it was entirely composed by him), and the subsequent "Blowback" moves between country and the more essential U2. "Dying Breed" even samples "Hallogallo" by NEU! and "Moonshake" by Can, the second single "Fire In Blood" has an irresistible funky pull halfway between Talking Heads and Simple Minds. There's also a nod to Tears For Fears ("Running Towards A Place") and the usual grandeur (take it or leave it, that's how they are) of "When The Dreams Run Dry."

"Imploding The Mirage" is a great album, hands down the best of The Killers in the past fourteen years. A return to their roots that has given freshness and inspiration to a band that seemed at a high risk of going stale.

Best track: My Own Soul’s Warning