Lunar Boulevard

I’ve always admired Brandon Flowers’ ambition. Whether working with The Killers, putting out solo material, or contributing to another project, it’s clear that he’s driven and always looking ahead to what’s next. On Imploding the Mirage, the sixth album from the Las Vegas staples, The Killers have an urgency that’s hard to ignore. With guitarist Dave Keuning sitting this one out and bassist Mark Stoermer taking on a more limited role, one could be forgiven for worrying about the state of the band. While this album never scales the highs of their early work, it’s hardly the sound of a band in decline.   “My Own Soul’s Warning”, arguably the best cut on the record, opens with a bang. The soaring synths, driving drums, and Flowers’ impassioned vocals can’t help but suck you in. Similar anthems like “Running Towards a Place” and “When the Dreams Run Dry” are defiant and uplifting, between Brandon’s charisma and longtime drummer Ronnie Vannucci’s powerful drumming. Lead single “Caution”...