The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has released a new solo album titled Thrasher, which represents a significant pivot into country music, according to a review published August 17. The project features a full commitment to the Nashville sound, moving away from the windswept balladry found on his 2021 record, Pressure Machine.
Thrasher includes contributions from several prominent Nashville musicians, such as pedal steel player Bruce Bouton, harmonica player Charlie McCoy, Dave Rawlings, and Margo Price. The album is described as a departure from the subtle Americana trend, opting instead for a more traditional country style.
While much of the record is noted for its character studies and idiosyncratic details, the review identifies certain tracks as misguided. The songs Miss America and Angel were noted as being less successful than the rest of the album, with the latter being described as a dull and plodding track regarding a Black baseball player.
Despite some social commentary songs that were described as bafflingly misguided, the review suggests that Thrasher is a stronger and more enjoyable album than Flowers' previous solo effort. The record is characterized as a high-energy exploration that avoids the mistakes of his earlier solo work.
