REVIEW: The Killers "Pressure Machine"

[@richardpalmer4re]

The first time I listened to this album I thought it wasn't that great. I came back to it after a few days and listened to it with no distractions or interruptions. That's when it grabbed me. I now feel this is a masterpiece and one of their best works. Well done guys - you've nailed it.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

this is that saddest lyrics Brandon has done since the clock was tickin'

[@winchesterinc.5643]

Some strong stuff for sure. Love that song.

[@Metallizombie]

I made the mistake of playing that one on a road trip with my wife. Bummed her out for half the trip 😂

[@Megarobotsquadron]

@@Metallizombie oh my lord. I played it for my ten year old daughter and she cried and told me to turn it off

[@topofthewheellrarkansas8692]

Probably some of Flowers’s best lyrics to date.

[@TrackXTrack]

Absolutely !

[@pauloh3591]

Agreed!

[@dawsforfun6456]

Extremely thoughtful & accurate review. However, I would say upbeat music with somber lyrics tends to impact me more. I think the album needed those tracks.

[@TrackXTrack]

That's fair.

[@hopslvr314]

This album is incredibly moving and hits home with me! I love it!

[@TrackXTrack]

It's great stuff!

[@robbieeveritt958]

It's a great album in my opinion. It has a very Springsteen vibe which I think makes it a great album.

[@TrackXTrack]

Yes, they have played with Springsteen vibes before, but never gone all-in they way they did here.

[@liona1982]

My thoughts exactly and a few songs made me quite emotional. I was close to tears❤️

[@dawni30]

Also Imploding the Mirage is absolutely AMAZING... a true Killers album and sound. What are you thinking? Have you listened.

[@ksasidhar2980]

Imploding the mirage takes around 15-20 listens to properly appreciate it. It’s an acquired taste.

[@dawni30]

Thanks for pinning all my comments ... I’m flattered. 👍 Can you pin this one too. 😂

[@canucklehead2772]

Top 5 tracks for me: West Hills, In the Car Outside, Cody, Sleepwalker, and Pressure Machine.

[@marissacyrus9888]

Love West Hills

[@jeromejoz5935]

In the Car Outside!! I'm currently haunted by Pressure Machine.

[@danlugo4365]

Been listening to it on repeat! Reminds me of Read My Mind, the only quibble I have is that it needed a chorus to be a proper concert belter.

[@Johnny_Bigodes]

quiet town should be there

[@colinstephens9773]

Very thorough, and insightful. For me, "Quiet Town" is just pure Killers channelling Springsteen's River era. Fab.

[@rushmore309]

Very impressed with this album. One of the more interesting albums of the year. Songs like “Quiet Town” (teens killed by a train and the grieving process) and “Desperate Times” (married husband cheats on his wife with an abused woman) are heartbreaking. I also appreciated the sound bites between tracks. They helped strengthen the narrative of the album in an eerie, yet sad, way. It made the album feel like a musical documentary of sorts - a snapshot of a handful of people, living in a small rural town, as their stories unfold before you.

[@TrackXTrack]

I like how the interviews tie everything together. As you said, it strengthens the narrative.

[@fourquad4851]

“Quiet Town” and “In the Car Outside” are two of my favorite songs, and “Desperate Things” is probably the only song on the album I don’t like. To each their own. At least we agree that Pressure Machine is one of The Killers’ best albums.

[@winchesterinc.5643]

It’s interesting to see a band pay respects to theirs influences while simultaneously making the sounds their own. I also like how this album speaks of the people and stories that get forgotten in our social media world, the people in rural places who don’t get to live the romanticized life we all see on our screens. So rather than singing songs about love, which they excel at, we get an album about life for a lot of people.

[@TrackXTrack]

Yep. I totally agree you you. It's a unique musical statement.

[@paulabethauble758]

Amazing album that hits the heart close to home. Not sure why this guy didn’t like Quiet Town and In The Car Outside…. Every track is awesome.

[@Nightsinwhitesatin645]

I agree. Yes the songs are a little upbeat but still stay true to the concept of the album. I think those songs keeps a great balance and they are terrific.

[@cameronchappell8265]

Very good video. The album is dripping in melancholy and hits so close to home to a Utah a guy like me. I didn’t grow up in Nephi, but I was close by. It’s heartbreaking and nostalgic. I love it.

[@TrackXTrack]

Very melancholy, indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@uniquelypositive]

Don't over analyze it. If it sounds good to the ear, it's good music.

[@Johnny_Bigodes]

kind off...

[@beavispdx]

I like it. But I much prefer when The Killers sounds like an 80s rock band. This album sounds like Flowers solo (which I love his solo records). But when it comes to TK, I like that big pomp sound like on their other albums. This was also why I only “liked” Wonderful Wonderful. This album is akin to that. My favorites are Day and Age, Battle Born, and Imploding the Mirage. Have a great day

[@bhamacuk]

I agree. I got the impression that it was basically a Flowers solo effort. I couldn't get the sense that the rest of the band were there too. I was very disappointed in the album.

[@beavispdx]

@@bhamacuk Yes I agree. It doesn’t have that “full band” sound. However I will say that I’ve been repeat listening over the past few days and the album is growing on me. There is some really solid stuff on it. But it’s still weak overall for a Killers album. And I re listened to Flowers’ solo albums Flamingo and The Desired Effect and they are both superior to Pressure Machine. There’s actually a few tracks on his solo records that would fit better than some of the tracks on PM. Overall though I’m softening on the album a bit, it’s moody and melancholy and introspective - so I think if I listen to it on days when I’m feeling that vibe then it will be just the right thing for that day. But it’s not a record to put on and get pumped up about. Sleepwalker is really the only track that does that for me right now.

[@sharkh20]

Enjoyed Imploding the Mirage way more. This album is meh to me so far. Maybe a few more listens and it will catch on, but I'm not blown away so far. Also, Sam's Town is my favorite album of theirs, and this sounds nothing like Sam's Town.

[@tiffanycarne306]

It's the first album where Brandon wrote the lyrics first and it's more personal

[@andrewc3294]

West Hills, Cody, In The Car Outside could easily have been on Sam's Town.

[@ksasidhar2980]

@@andrewc3294 yeah, in the car outside really sounds like it’s from Sam’s town

[@jbond.007]

Imploding the Mirage is one of the best Killers albums ever. Pressure Machine is one of their worst.

[@comedownmachine4682]

@@andrewc3294 and another life could easily be on imploding the mirage

[@pauloh3591]

Right on! I really liked hearing your review on this great album! My favorite tracks were The Getting By and Pressure Machine.

[@TrackXTrack]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@bhamacuk]

Not digging this stripped back, slow, pensive n moody version of the Killers. Tries to be thoughtful and meaningful but ends up being too slow and boring. Sold my copy already. The guy in the record store said it's a bit like Sam's Town, but no! He got my money lol

[@123rockfan]

The interviews wore a bit thin and the religious overtones felt self righteous to me. But overall I still enjoyed the album

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi Kyle, Nice review. I am a fan of theirs and happy to see that they are back to their rocking selves. God bless and keep well, Tino

[@laurieguard0]

Awesome review, a lot of what you said made lots of sense and I feel like you did the album justice. One thing I didn't agree with were your thoughts on In The Car Outside. I think the synth elements are intentional to heighten the sense of paranoia and self doubt of the track's narrator. It's a moment of existential crisis for the individual, hence why it's necessary for the song to sound so different to the more stripped back, country sound of much of the album. It's not a deviance to the old ways of Day & Age etc but instead an emotional, angry cry for help by the narrator, hence why it is the first track on the B side, changing the tone of the album.

[@TrackXTrack]

That's a fair interpretation. I see where you're coming from.

[@Thundernoob98]

I was one of the ones who didn’t like it at first until I relistened to it later. One thing I highly recommend is listening to the abridged version of the album that cuts out all the interviews at the beginning of the song lol

[@TrackXTrack]

I like both versions, but the abridged version is nice when you just want the music.

[@lesgeorge9166]

Quiet town brilliant record ! But look up acoustic version Saturday sessions ! It’s really great !

[@TrackXTrack]

I'll check it out!

[@TheGamingWattsit]

Best album since day and age - a return to form

[@amd3449]

I’m not a Tkillers Fan ! But! …This is a Real Master Piece Album! Highly Recommended! 🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏼👏

[@TrackXTrack]

It is pretty great!

[@zachfevans]

I love this album, it's a real surprise for me. Has similarities to Public Service Broadcasting's Every Valley, which documented the rise and fall of the coal and steel industry in my back garden of south Wales. Love soundbites in songs, it's a trick to ground the music in reality. You could say it's a mirror image of modern trap music like $uicideboy$ or Kendrick Lamar, which often uses soundbites to layer their music.

[@TrackXTrack]

I have heard there is an abridged version of the album on streaming services that does not include the soundbites. I'd be curious to hear that for comparison.

[@Johnny_Bigodes]

It's one of the best albums I've ever heard.

[@ShawHortonMusic]

Great review. I’m really enjoying this new record! I actually think it flows very well from track to track even with the more upbeat tracks between the softer songs.

[@TrackXTrack]

It's definitely the most compelling album they've made in years!

[@dawni30]

This is nothing like Sam’s Town. Sam’s Town is a play live, sing at the top of your lungs and jump to the ceiling album. What are you talking about? Also many of the Killers song have a storyline???

[@andrewc3294]

It's thematically similar to Sam's Town, and shares musical influences in tracks like Cody, In the Car Outside etc.

[@ToyStory182]

Never rate art because you miss the point. Remember that...✨

[@rossmusic25]

He’s a music reviewer. That’s his job.

[@TrackXTrack]

Definitely their best album in years!

[@rossmusic25]

@@TrackXTrack yup

[@grantdesmidt4159]

Great review. Disagree with view on Quiet Town though. It may very well be my favourite Killers song ever, which takes some doing.

[@williamnickeas5788]

Totally agree, Quiet Town hands down my fav song on the album.

[@shannonbiggers3312]

Pressure Machine is their purest album since Day and Age. I do not like all of the outside writers and multiple producers. I am OK with Rado's contributions. Keep it simple stupid.

[@SonomaBill1]

Counter argument if you will. I get the idea that 'quiet town' and 'in the car' could feel like the misfit toys here (and I do much prefer the live, more acoustic version of 'quite town' i've seen them do for media stops; the songs lyrical power is given much more space that way) ....... if you don't see, again, that direct line to Bruce and U2 in these more uptempo tracks, you're not listening in the same way I am .....

[@johndalenino]

I was totally gripped from start to finished. Liked some more that others but I didn't dislike anything. Although, at times it gets really dark and I feel nauseated from Brandon's lyricism (bec of how detailed and clever the lyrics in this album is). I agree too, it's very cinematic. I worry the depressing themes might hurt the replay factor for me. Sleepwalker and The Getting By were the uplifts I needed.

[@TrackXTrack]

For replay, you definitely need to be in the right mood. It is far darker than anything the band has done before.

[@nicolas7060]

100 % agree !!

[@1mmickk]

Its a terrible depressing self indulgent, self important pseudo therapy session for those about to take their own life. Its utter garbage, but the intellectuals or rather those who pretend to be one, are crawling right up Brandons Jacksie with ever greater self important praise claiming it is some form of Godness, what a load of tripe. Quiet town is a catchy melody, but thats all that can be said for this sad attempt at being a poet.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

What a great name for an album

[@robertomendez187]

Flowers close to the cult in Utah where he’s lost and confused with no direction, hints the worst album ever Pressure Machine. 🤢

[@anelso0276]

Ne FI with a hard I.

[@heero086]

You deserve a subscribe sir.

[@TrackXTrack]

Why thank you!

[@moonowl9291]

Since the lyrics are so important, do they have lyric videos?

[@thekongqueror9788]

A high 8 or low 8? You did a marvelous job describing the high points of the album.

[@TrackXTrack]

I prefer not to rate high/low, that a 10 point scale is enough. Thanks for watching!

[@russellbrooks6485]

I have listened to this album a few times now and just keep’s getting better and better the more times I listen to it excellent lyrics and the band on top form in my top five of best albums of the year.

[@TrackXTrack]

Agreed!

[@Megarobotsquadron]

I totally agree. the only flaws here occur when it slips into their signature sound

[@TrackXTrack]

Yep. It just feels out of place.

[@Ben-hb4my]

great album, and i love quiet town,

[@jonybeam6997]

Forget this packet of crisps it's Iron Maiden's Senjutsu coming this Friday that has the real juicy meat on the bone!

[@samansiddiquie1902]

A sacrilege!!! To use Sam’s Town and Pressure Machine in the same sentence 😂

[@MarcTheUtahan]

*[Nē-fī]

[@jayreeves8180]

What's this clown on about

[@TrackXTrack]

Why not press play and find out instead of posting about your ignorance?

[@rjaredhamby]

Kyle, great review as always! I couldn't agree more about this album. I immediately was drawn into the stories. Despite being a very different type of music, the songs here reminded me so much of the late great Justin Townes Earle's final album, The Saint of Lost Causes. One thing you alluded to that I find so fascinating is how he incorporates his religious upbringing into these lyrics. All of the lyrics of God and salvation are full of lived in experiences. I couldn't help but be reminded of Phoebe's Chinese Satellites. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@TrackXTrack]

The Killers have always had good storytelling and characters in their songs, but this album is on another level. Bravo, boys!

[@tuc02031]

Maybe the worst reviewer yet. This album is so out of the box for the killers which makes its a great success and a perfect blend into their live shows and overall collection. Top 3 best killers album. Between imploding and pressure machine this band only continues to get better

[@Tusks32]

I don't think you were listening to the review if you think it was that bad, especially considering the score- some people do place an importance on theme and consistency in the sound when it comes to albums, but it is indeed a fantastic album. Personally I think the stylistic reimagining of their sound is what The Killers continue to do best.

[@jessemoz848]

This album made top 3 for sure

[@TrackXTrack]

Agreed

[@steveyoung627]

I didn't even know they had an album last year.

[@rossmusic25]

Time to catch up. You’ve been missing out hard

[@rwjl13]

Cant believe all the positive reviews this album has , seriously if i have to listen to songs 2 ,3 maybe 4 times to convince myself they sound good they must be shit , Sams town was instantly good , as too were Day and age and Battle born ,but since then the Killers have been a bit of a joke and Brandons solo work has been head and shoulders above anything The Killers have done ,quit with the hype because this is utter tripe

[@risboturbide9396]

Been a fan of Springsteen's "Nebraska" for a long time... And also "The Ghost of Tom Joad". Springsteen's great records. The Killers' "Desperate Things" is unbelievable. Amazing. Maybe THE song the Joad album by Bruce needed to be better than Nebraska.

[@TrackXTrack]

Definitely a song the Boss would approve of!

[@mattlucas113]

The taking intros are just annoying - needs to be an option without that crap

[@TrackXTrack]

There is an abridged version on some streaming services with only the music.

[@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

This album is not for me, easily their worst album behind WW. But at least this reviewer gives me some joy that there are people out there who appreciate it.

[@NocturneThrone]

I agree that WW is a pretty weak album. What about Sawdust though? 😂

[@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

@@NocturneThrone I consider Sawdust a compilation of b sides, outtakes and demos. And as such don't think it's fair to compare it to their studio efforts. Still, I like sawdust better than this by a country mile.

[@joes4987]

Agreed, i could not get into it...happy for them and everyone who enjoys it.

[@andrewc3294]

The album is a grower IMO.

[@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

@@andrewc3294 In another life and In the Car oustide are pretty decent imo

[@hotlov72]

You lost me at "Synth Beat". What I don't like about The Killers is the mentioned Derivative Influences

[@shanewright2772]

Bang on review with one point I'd quibble on This band has announced itself not as the successors to the Springsteen/Mellencamps of the world - they are the reality of what those sad, stale fakers just pretended to be.

[@TrackXTrack]

I don't know if they're the "reality" any more than Bruce or John. None of those acts ever lived the hard life they describe in their songs as adults, only as kids. Their songs are more observational than experiential. There's nothing wrong with that. But that's why they invent characters for their songs rather than write as much autobiographically.

[@Setzer777]

Didn't care for this album. I thought "Quiet Town" and "Cody" were probably the best 2 tracks on the album. The rest of it was mediocre at best.

[@jessemoz848]

Man I'm sorry you don't understand what good music is lol

[@balkee42]

No West Hills? In the car outside? Title track?

[@Setzer777]

@@balkee42 I listened to the album again...4th time now. Car outside - nope, Title track - nope and West Hills actually sounds better with each listen so I'll add that to the other two I liked.

[@joes4987]

Agreed, could not get into it. Makes sense now how they did not release one single. After all their albums a single was always released, not this one though. Snooze machine

[@tiffanycarne306]

It's the first album where Brandon wrote the lyrics before the music

[@sinra9379]

Awful album. Never go full religion

[@andrewc3294]

The album isn't about religion even remotely? There are tracks that are about small towns that have strong religious contingents, as many small places in America do. But at no point in this record is Flowers singing about his own religious beliefs. It sounds like you only listened to West Hills, which isn't about Brandon Flowers.

[@sinra9379]

@@andrewc3294 I listened to a couple of others, I also was going by the cover of the album. But I'll try to listen again.

[@sinra9379]

@@andrewc3294 I also just didn't like the sound.

[@TrackXTrack]

If the album had gone "full religion," I doubt I would have liked it. But it didn't. In fact, I'd say there's more religious themes on their previous two albums than on this one.