The Killers’ Brandon Flowers has officially announced his new solo album, Thrasher. Recorded in Nashville, the project offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the singer’s formative years in Nephi, Utah, marking his first solo release in over a decade.
A Return to Roots
Set for release on August 21 via Island Records, Thrasher follows Flowers’ 2015 sophomore effort, The Desired Effect. The album was crafted in collaboration with producers Shawn Everett and Jonathan Rado, alongside a stellar lineup of musicians including guitarist David Rawlings, pedal steel player Bruce Bouton, and legendary harmonica player Charlie McCoy, known for his work on Bob Dylan’s Nashville sessions.
The record serves as a deep dive into Flowers' childhood, specifically reflecting on the country and western music his father played during drives through the Utah countryside. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found my way back to my father’s music — ‘Country-Western’ (as he called it) — and discovered that the stories I carry really feel most at home in the skin of this beautiful American tradition,” Flowers shared.
A New Chapter of Songwriting
The album captures a balance between humor and melancholy, echoing the Americana stylings found in The Killers’ acclaimed records like Sam’s Town and Pressure Machine. Flowers describes the process as unlocking a new creative space, noting, “I’m larger now than I was 20 years ago, and I’ve unlocked a room that feels like it's been waiting for me all along.”
The lead single, 'Plans', is scheduled for release on June 26, with the album tracklist featuring deeply personal songs such as 'One Of Us', a tribute to his late brother-in-law, and 'An American Dream', which reflects on his parents' final years.
Flowers emphasized that this project is not a departure from his rock roots but an expansion of his artistry. “This is not me running away from rock n’ roll. I don’t want to replace my old songs. I simply found room for more,” he added.