Brandon Flowers – ‘Thrasher’

(Island Records)

There is something undeniably intriguing about seeing an artist step outside their established musical comfort zone and explore territory that might initially seem a little unexpected. Brandon Flowers, best known as the charismatic frontman of The Killers, has taken a sizeable detour with Thrasher, embracing a country-influenced sound that represents a considerable departure from the alternative rock and arena-sized anthems with which he has built his reputation. It is an interesting musical adventure, certainly, and one that demonstrates a willingness to experiment, although whether the end result completely hits the mark is another matter.

Flowers has always possessed a distinctive vocal character. There is a certain theatrical quality to his delivery, an ability to inject emotion and personality into a performance, and that remains very much evident here. His voice is arguably the strongest element of the album, bringing moments of genuine expression and giving the material a recognisable identity. He sounds comfortable enough exploring these different musical surroundings, and there are occasions when his evocative delivery really catches the attention. However, vocal quality alone cannot necessarily compensate when the overall musical direction fails to establish the connection one hopes for.

The country influence is front and centre throughout Thrasher, with Flowers seemingly keen to explore the storytelling traditions, atmospheric arrangements and earthy character associated with the genre. There are some interesting musical choices along the way, and the album occasionally brings to mind the work of Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash. Those comparisons are particularly noticeable in the more Americana-flavoured passages, where there is a sense of rugged storytelling, small-town imagery and reflective songwriting. There is certainly a little of that Springsteen heartland spirit floating around, while the darker, more understated moments occasionally evoke Cash's distinctive musical atmosphere.

These influences provide some interesting reference points, but they also highlight the difficulty of making this particular musical transition work consistently. Flowers has a very recognisable musical personality, and while that is undoubtedly an asset, I am not entirely convinced that the Country surroundings always suit him. There are moments when everything comes together reasonably well, but elsewhere the material feels a little detached, as though the album is searching for a musical identity that never quite settles into place.

That is not to suggest that Thrasher is without merit. There is plenty to appreciate in the ambition behind the project, and I would much rather hear an established artist take a genuine creative risk than simply repeat a familiar formula. Flowers clearly has an appreciation for the Country and Americana traditions, and there is a sincerity to the performances that deserves recognition. This doesn't feel like an exercise in casually borrowing a few Country guitars and putting on a different musical outfit. There is an evident attempt to embrace the genre's emotional foundations and storytelling qualities.

However, the songwriting is something of a mixed experience. While there are some engaging ideas and occasionally memorable melodic passages, the album doesn't consistently deliver the kind of emotional connection that makes great Country music so rewarding. The arrangements are generally pleasant enough, but there is a tendency for the material to drift along without providing quite enough excitement or individuality. I found myself appreciating certain aspects of the production and performances without necessarily feeling particularly invested in the songs themselves.

One of the album's more interesting characteristics is the way Flowers approaches the vocal performances. Rather than attempting to completely reinvent himself, he retains much of the familiar personality that has made him such a recognisable frontman. There is an expressive quality to his singing that works particularly well when the arrangements become more spacious and atmospheric. He can communicate vulnerability and reflection without resorting to unnecessary vocal theatrics, and those moments provide some of the album's most satisfying passages.

Nevertheless, I occasionally found myself wishing for a little more energy and a stronger melodic punch. Coming from someone whose musical background includes The Killers, there is an understandable expectation of memorable hooks, sweeping arrangements and songs that really grab the listener. Those elements are not necessarily the intention here, of course, but the more restrained Country direction does leave the album feeling somewhat subdued. I appreciate that Country music doesn't need to be loud or bombastic to make an impression, but there is a difference between understated songwriting and material that struggles to leave a lasting mark.

The production complements the overall direction, providing an appropriate backdrop for Flowers' vocal performances and the album's Country-inspired arrangements. There is enough atmosphere to give the material character, and the record has a reasonably cohesive feel. Yet that consistency also works against it to some extent, as the overall musical palette doesn't offer quite enough variation to maintain my interest throughout its duration.

Ultimately, Thrasher is an interesting release from an artist who clearly has more musical curiosity than simply remaining within the boundaries of his established success. Brandon Flowers deserves credit for exploring a different musical landscape and delivering performances that occasionally demonstrate real emotional depth. His voice remains a considerable strength, and the Springsteen and Johnny Cash influences add some welcome character to the proceedings.

Unfortunately, despite those positives, I cannot say that the album has particularly resonated with me. There are some good ideas, some attractive musical moments and enough interesting experimentation to make it worth investigating, but the overall Country direction never quite captures my imagination. It is a perfectly respectable record, and one that will undoubtedly find an appreciative audience among listeners who enjoy this particular blend of Country, Americana and heartland rock.

For my own tastes, however, it is more an interesting diversion than an essential addition to the collection. Flowers has taken a chance, and that should be applauded, but Thrasher ultimately leaves me admiring the ambition rather than falling in love with the music. A worthwhile musical detour, but one that doesn't quite find its way into my heart.

5/10

Essential Track – ‘Tiger’s Blood’

Review by Woody