Brandon Flowers releases country album 'Thrasher', questions fame's worth

Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers, has released his third solo album, 'Thrasher', marking his first solo work in 11 years. Recorded in Nashville's RCA Studio A, the album features contributions from pedal steel guitarist Bruce Bouton, harmonica player Charlie McCoy, and Americana musician Margo Price. The album reflects Flowers' childhood in Nephi, Utah, his experiences working in Las Vegas casinos, and critiques the opioid crisis in his hometown. It also includes a tribute to his late brother-in-law and a song titled 'American Dream' where he imagines meeting Elvis Presley. Flowers has been on a break from The Killers since their performance at the UEFA Champions League final. He previewed the album at the Newport Folk Festival with Lucy Dacus. The album was recorded over three weeks, with 10 of 23 songs making the final cut; the remaining 13 are being mixed for a separate release. Flowers discusses his ambivalence about fame, noting his father's modest life and happiness. He also addresses a lyric from a previous Killers song that some fans said led to divorce, and wrote a new song, 'Does It Ever Cross Your Mind', to reframe the argument. Flowers plans to tour the album and will perform at the Royal Albert Hall this autumn. He also mentions that his 15-year-old son has fallen in love with Oasis, and he hopes to see them live, which might revive his love of concerts.