By Gabriela Acosta
The Killers have maintained a steady pace in music—making them a cult band for many of their fans throughout their 15-year-plus music career. Brandon Flowers chatted with Metro on the new album, titled “Imploding the Mirage”.
The album reflects a new stage for the band. Is that how you feel?
I think this album shows a new period of life for the band and the members themselves. Because after the storm comes the calm. “Imploding the Mirage” is a kind of reflection through ten tracks, as the new single “My Own Soul’s Warning,” as well as “Fire in Bone,” “My God” or “Caution.” We feel that we achieved freedom, happiness and feelings that go beyond music. We freed ourselves from many things with this album.
Tell me about the art on the album cover.
It is a work by Thomas Blackshear called “Dance of the Wind and Storm”. I really like western landscapes in art, something I used to see in that part of Las Vegas that has nothing to do with the commercial image it has for the world. Since the moment I looked at the image, I reflected on it a little bit and it became an inspiration within the studio.
How would you define this sixth album?
We’re a veteran band that doesn’t seek “likes,” but that doesn’t mean it’s bad or that we don’t appreciate the support of the fans. The style remains intact, but I think there’s a constant evolution.
We have had intense moments, of much adrenaline and success. We have grown as people and musicians. Besides, what is happening around us – social, political and even personal changes – also changes the way we look at things. That’s why this album is like a kind of bible to find peace. We leave a little bit of dust and sequins to go into nature.
What is the biggest change The Killers has experienced?
Over the years we have gone through several stages and there were moments when we let ourselves become famous, but in the end that remains in the background. As we grow up, we become more sensitive, whether it’s in the lyrics or the message we want to send with our music.
We are more open to receiving criticism, comments from others and take advantage of every contribution to be better human beings and musicians.
You recently shared a video of you washing your hands while singing Mr. Brightside. Is it a song that doesn’t go out of style?
Social networks have become a direct way to send a message and the song served that purpose during this pandemic. It was the first time I did something like that, but I heard that it was one of the songs that people always have in mind and it still has a great impact. Those are the miracles of music.
You had to postpone the tour until 2021. How do you see yourselves in the new normal?
We’ve talked about it a lot, even with other musicians and people in the industry, who point out that this break from mass concerts could be extended for longer. As (Ronnie) Vannucci said recently, major events may not return until 2022, because, unless there is a vaccine, it will only get worse if the decision is made to reactivate the stages.
For now, we are limiting the departures until we are all safe, so we have moved the tour to 2021, but we will have to wait.
