6/10

With a legacy that can be tracked back and still kept alive by the release of their breakthrough single 'Mr. Brightside' back in 2004, indie-rock heroes The Killers have spent the last sixteen years almost trying to get away from their infant past. While that song and its subsequent album 'Hot Fuss' is still one of the most in-demand anthems at student clubs and festivals around the world, the group have always looked to create a sound that keeps them fresh rather than riding the coattails of previous successes. And now they return with their sixth full-length 'Imploding The Mirage', a strong yet familiar record from these pop culture stalwarts.

'Imploding The Mirage' marks the first album from the band since the departure of guitarist Dave Keuning, who left in 2017 to pursue solo ventures. But rather than replace him in any way, the guitar parts were handed out to the band's bassist Mark Stoermer, producer Jonathan Rado, and guests Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, and Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs, giving the release a far more diverse feel than they usually do. While there are moments on this release that makes it feel like business as usual for The Killers, there are tracks like 'Dying Breed' and the Weyes Blood featuring 'My God' that show us that they are keen to start a chapter as a trio and deliver something that is both surprising and engaging in equal measure.

While it doesn't quite hit the mark every single time, there is still a lot of positive and progressive steps being made on this new collection. 'Imploding The Mirage' maybe the most un-Killers Killers record in their catalogue to date, but it still manages to deliver a wide and explorative intention that shows they are far from out of ideas yet.