The Killers
– Pressure Machine
The Killers’ Pressure Machine is a deeply introspective and stripped-back departure from their signature anthemic rock. Released in 2021, the album offers a poignant, narrative-driven exploration of small-town life in Nephi, Utah, Brandon Flowers’ hometown. Its reflective tone and storytelling focus bring to light themes of isolation, loss, faith, and resilience, painting vivid, heartfelt portraits of the people and experiences that shaped Flowers’ upbringing.
Musically, Pressure Machine leans into folk and Americana influences, eschewing the grandiosity of previous works for a more restrained, acoustic-driven sound. The integration of ambient sounds, such as train whistles and interviews with town residents, adds an immersive layer to the album, grounding its stories in an authentic sense of place.
This record stands out in The Killers’ discography for its raw vulnerability and cinematic approach to songwriting, showcasing a band willing to take risks and delve into new creative territories. Pressure Machine is a haunting, beautiful reflection on the complexities of small-town America, making it one of their most compelling works to date.