Pressure Machine
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Aug 13, 2021
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 110
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 110
  3. Negative: 6 out of 110
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. rjmacready
    May 30, 2022
    7
    Picks up a bit around the middle, but this is easily my least favourite Killers album to date. Feels like it was meant to be a Brandon Flowers solo album, but along came a little thing called Covid, and The Killers decided to be generous and release two albums in two years.

    I'm grateful for ANY new Killers release, but it's possible they should've taken a bit more time with this one.    Picks up a bit around the middle, but this is easily my least favourite Killers album to date. Feels like it was meant to be a Brandon Flowers solo album, but along came a little thing called Covid, and The Killers decided to be generous and release two albums in two years.

    I'm grateful for ANY new Killers release, but it's possible they should've taken a bit more time with this one. Non-Killers fans need only apply if they're in the distinct mood for a "country ballads" album with Springsteen smeared all over it.    … Expand
  2. Jeff-S
    Dec 11, 2021
    9
    I think this album has been getting a bad rap. Yes it’s The Killers sound we all know and yes it is heavily influenced by Springsteen but it is the most personal and touching narratives the Killers have ever done. There’s not a bad song and the issues of Nephi, Utah are not unlike the issues of Cambridge, Ohio, drug addiction, suicide, abusive relationships which all sound like a downerI think this album has been getting a bad rap. Yes it’s The Killers sound we all know and yes it is heavily influenced by Springsteen but it is the most personal and touching narratives the Killers have ever done. There’s not a bad song and the issues of Nephi, Utah are not unlike the issues of Cambridge, Ohio, drug addiction, suicide, abusive relationships which all sound like a downer but the lyrics are well crafted and the music is often beautiful. I especially like Pressure Machine but they’re all good.… Expand
  3. Corporate_Goon
    Oct 25, 2021
    3
    Was excited to hear this after the strong reviews, but was very disappointed. Opens strong with "West Hills", and then falls into a pattern of downtempo durges for the entire remainder of the album. It's a miserable, boring listen. Some songs, like "Desparate Things" barely have melodies at all and plod along at the same downtempo pace as every other song.

    It's a shame as there are a    Was excited to hear this after the strong reviews, but was very disappointed. Opens strong with "West Hills", and then falls into a pattern of downtempo durges for the entire remainder of the album. It's a miserable, boring listen. Some songs, like "Desparate Things" barely have melodies at all and plod along at the same downtempo pace as every other song.

    It's a shame as there are a couple really great, standout tracks (West Hills and the title tracks), but I can't see myself putting this into regular listening rotation. It's the kind of "serious" album about "serious" topics that critics lose their minds over, but is completely forgotten a few months after its release.    … Expand
  4. Tbone413
    Sep 27, 2021
    9
    Brilliance in storytelling, even more masterclass in the vocals and melodies. This album is incredibly well thought out and produces their signature sound that has been fine tuned to be even more stirring and booming than before.
  5. Ricko
    Sep 14, 2021
    9
    As a result of the Covid pandemic, The Killers were unable to tour 2020's "Imploding the Mirage". Brandon Flowers decided to instead use the time to work on a lockdown album with a somewhat autobiographical focus. He convinced the band that a return to heartland rock and a concept album based on his quiet home town was their next port of call in 2021. The timing also meant that guitaristAs a result of the Covid pandemic, The Killers were unable to tour 2020's "Imploding the Mirage". Brandon Flowers decided to instead use the time to work on a lockdown album with a somewhat autobiographical focus. He convinced the band that a return to heartland rock and a concept album based on his quiet home town was their next port of call in 2021. The timing also meant that guitarist Dave Keuning was able to rejoin the band for the album. "Pressure Machine" marks a return to the sound they delivered on 2006's excellent "Sam's Town" in terms of its salute to Springsteen, however this is more a "Nebraska" effort than a "Born to Run". Brandon Flowers worked upon the lyrics first and as a result, the songs come across as the best story telling he has ever done. For the most part the music accompanying the songs fits like a glove in terms of aesthetic. I like the recordings of locals that work as interludes, giving "Pressure Machine" a grit rarely heard on a Killers record. I've always liked the band and have enjoyed their records to varying degrees. They have an honesty and universal quality that goes a long way to making their songs easy to relate to. That said, there is no doubt that the mid 00's was the last time they were untouchable. This album comes close ("In Another Life" is the first Killers song in over a decade that I can't stop playing). Rather than to describe it as a return to form, I would say it is the sound of the band finding their own voice as they mature. Or perhaps relocating Springsteens. One of my favourites of 2021.… Expand
  6. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    In every sense a modern heartland rock masterpiece to make their idol Springsteen proud, "Pressure Machine" effortlessly melds intimacy and bombast as The Killers refine and deepen their sound and chosen themes by stripping things back considerably to deliver a singularly poetic, wistful and ultimately auspicious portrait of rural America that easily stands as their most musically andIn every sense a modern heartland rock masterpiece to make their idol Springsteen proud, "Pressure Machine" effortlessly melds intimacy and bombast as The Killers refine and deepen their sound and chosen themes by stripping things back considerably to deliver a singularly poetic, wistful and ultimately auspicious portrait of rural America that easily stands as their most musically and emotionally satisfying effort to date.… Expand
  7. Amoabigtimerush
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Es una joya, una evolución correcta. Que nos da un nuevo the killers y el cual me encanto. Espero poder seguir escuchando cosas así más adelante en su discografia
  8. am004
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    I absolutely loved Pressure Machine!! It's really up there with Hot Fuss, Sam's Town, Day and Age, Battle Born and all their top albums!! This is a masterpiece!!
  9. Mellowry
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Definitely the darkest Killers record. I really like the opening, such as the "Interview Interludes" and I actually felt really sad after some songs, so if you suffer from mental disorders like depression, listening to this album will most likely help you reach your feelings, or at least makes you feel at least "something" within it. The voices really add a sort of feeling that I last feltDefinitely the darkest Killers record. I really like the opening, such as the "Interview Interludes" and I actually felt really sad after some songs, so if you suffer from mental disorders like depression, listening to this album will most likely help you reach your feelings, or at least makes you feel at least "something" within it. The voices really add a sort of feeling that I last felt at Johnny Cash's self-titled, the atmosphere is really hard to describe, but I definitely like it. Good Job, Killers! One of my favorite releases this year.… Expand
  10. ebj3000
    Aug 25, 2021
    10
    Flowers is sincere on this album. I think that’s the best kind of art. Stripped down melodies are perfect for the dark tones here. This could be their best.
  11. Omri_IL
    Aug 23, 2021
    10
    great album, great vocals of Brandon Flowers, sometimes it reminds me of the first albums which is good.
  12. moonpie1979
    Aug 23, 2021
    10
    These eleven poignant vignettes come across like a Raymond Carver short story anthology. Mostly told in the first person, Flowers embodies the characters he creates to explore their small town existences - the issues they face, whether isolation, drugs, adultery, failing marriages, violence and lives half-lived. It’s an empathetic, sympathetic collection of songs, entirely devoid of theThese eleven poignant vignettes come across like a Raymond Carver short story anthology. Mostly told in the first person, Flowers embodies the characters he creates to explore their small town existences - the issues they face, whether isolation, drugs, adultery, failing marriages, violence and lives half-lived. It’s an empathetic, sympathetic collection of songs, entirely devoid of the ego or bombast one might expect to find within the output of a stadium-filling band such as The Killers. For all the sadness within, there’s a definite warmth here. Detailing everyday heartland existences is not, of course, entirely new territory for Brandon Flowers - he has been doing it (and doing it well) since the band’s sophomore classic Sam’s Town (see also Diggin’ Up the Heart from his criminally underrated second solo album). Whether the album should have been released as a Flowers solo album is a matter of debate. It seems so very different from their body of work as a whole - it perhaps deserves to be judged on its own merits. What must be made very clear here is that the album is still melodically (and not just lyrically) very strong. The tunes are still there - just subtler. Anyone prepared to give it a few spins will be treated to its slowly unraveling majesty. For sure, there’s a seldom-explored bleak beauty about album standouts Terrible Thing and Desperate Things that recalls the darker edges of Springsteen’s oeuvre. But elsewhere (In the Car Outside, In Another Life), there’s a bop and a pop that sweetens the pill of the sad themes within. It’s just a great, great album - a surprise standout of 2021. Between this and the excellent Imploding the Mirage, released a mere 12 months earlier, The Killers are on their best form for at least fifteen years.… Expand
  13. catholicgoth90
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Incredible album. Hands down their greatest work since Sam's Town. "West Hills", "Quiet Town", and "In The Car Outside" are some of their best songs they have ever come out with.
  14. Gh0stivan
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Very good, very interesting and very different.
    It's as good if not better than the epic Hot Fuss, their first and hugely successful album.
  15. j_conrad_brown
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Spiritual, soulful. Very genuine vibe. Highly recommend. Sonically the album has a clear Killers vibe but this album feels different than past albums. Very rewarding.
  16. thesynesthetic
    Aug 20, 2021
    8
    It sounds like a new era of the radio smashing 2000s rock version of the Killers that we’ve come to love. The storytelling that they began to master on Sam’s Town feels more complete here, and there is a consistent beckoning call of nostalgia in the lyrics. Sonically cohesive yet each track pulls a unique image into your mind. The audio clips from different people reinforce the differentIt sounds like a new era of the radio smashing 2000s rock version of the Killers that we’ve come to love. The storytelling that they began to master on Sam’s Town feels more complete here, and there is a consistent beckoning call of nostalgia in the lyrics. Sonically cohesive yet each track pulls a unique image into your mind. The audio clips from different people reinforce the different perspectives and stories each track offers.… Expand
  17. Frazilio24
    Aug 17, 2021
    10
    The Killers is back, and just like more old times. Thanks Brandon !!
    I reaaly hope you still do what is best, which is bring good songs in so dificult times. I Have a sadness inside me, and sometimes, its louder than my sol.
  18. samuels
    Aug 16, 2021
    10
    Álbum altamente conceitual, muito bem trabalhado, com um som totalmente maduro, como se as músicas da banda tivessem amadurecido junto com a banda.
  19. alejoarenas15
    Aug 16, 2021
    10
    I'll be biased af when it comes to The Killers, but they really excelled themselves with this one. Fresh, deep and poignant. We don't get music like this very often these days. Thank you The Killers!
  20. SamJBarn
    Aug 16, 2021
    9
    If you're looking for the synth-y side of The Killers, especially the early Hot Fuss days, you won't find much of it here. However, if you've been following this band through their entire career like I have, you will likely be extremely satisfied by how they traverse different sounds from throughout their career (including Brandon Flowers' solo work) in a cohesive manner. It's a heartfeltIf you're looking for the synth-y side of The Killers, especially the early Hot Fuss days, you won't find much of it here. However, if you've been following this band through their entire career like I have, you will likely be extremely satisfied by how they traverse different sounds from throughout their career (including Brandon Flowers' solo work) in a cohesive manner. It's a heartfelt album with the same great hooks, just more deceptively downplayed. These songs will seep into your bones.… Expand
  21. Joshoth
    Aug 15, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un disco verdaderamente maduro, nos lleva a un lugar dentro de la nostalgia y el recuerdo, dónde no hay más que un pequeño y viejo pueblo donde las guitarras acústicas parecieran mezclarse con el polvo de este paisaje.… Expand
  22. BeefarmerBuzz
    Aug 15, 2021
    8
    This is a nice departure from a great band and perfect for the times. Much softer, more melodic and Ronnie Vannuci hardly raises a sweat but it is the simple crafter storytelling that wins. Mr Flowers pens many odes to his home town and they are received beautifully. Songs of violence, songs of drug addiction, songs with hooks and lovely violins are there. These guys are not Status Quo orThis is a nice departure from a great band and perfect for the times. Much softer, more melodic and Ronnie Vannuci hardly raises a sweat but it is the simple crafter storytelling that wins. Mr Flowers pens many odes to his home town and they are received beautifully. Songs of violence, songs of drug addiction, songs with hooks and lovely violins are there. These guys are not Status Quo or AC/DC. They are versatile and thought provoking. I give a very solid 8 and look at those who scored it a 2 and 0 and thank them that i dislike k-pop. It is very good to not have to strain too much deciphering lyrics smoothered with too much electronica. The passion can be felt here in the singing and that folks makes a great album. Is it a classic, No. But will it be discussed in te ultimate history of the Killers, for sure.… Expand
  23. Kimothy
    Aug 14, 2021
    9
    Hauntingly Beautiful!
    Beautiful and well-crafted Lyrics and beautiful instrumentation.
    Definetly listen to it as a whole.
    Personale Highlight: West Hills!
  24. BuildingMusic70
    Aug 14, 2021
    7
    The Killers are reunited with their bassist, Mark Stoermer, on a strong new album, Pressure Machine. Their glossy style of Pop/Rock and Alternative Soft Rock continues again with powerful songs, such as the newly animated song "Quiet Town", Phoebe Bridgers assisted "Runaway Horses", and a thunderous Alt-Rock tune "Sleepwalker". Overall, Rock's most creative and infamous group deliver againThe Killers are reunited with their bassist, Mark Stoermer, on a strong new album, Pressure Machine. Their glossy style of Pop/Rock and Alternative Soft Rock continues again with powerful songs, such as the newly animated song "Quiet Town", Phoebe Bridgers assisted "Runaway Horses", and a thunderous Alt-Rock tune "Sleepwalker". Overall, Rock's most creative and infamous group deliver again with a record that leaves you in awe throughout.

    7/10    … Expand
  25. ama_inc
    Aug 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably the best Killers album to date. It is completely different from "Hot Fuss", therefore I don't think it is possible to compare those two. "Pressure machine" is fantastically personal, uniquely emotional and exceptionally honest. In the small town and its simple yet wonderful (wonderful) people Brandon finally has found his soul.… Expand
  26. Rockofreak
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    For me It’s one of the best Killers album ever. Great deep work with impressive lyrics.
  27. mgallardoh
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Pressure Machine is a beautiful piece of art. The best album of The Killers so far.
  28. claire_elyse
    Aug 13, 2021
    8
    A surprising, poetic and somber entry into The Killers discography. The album takes its time and the musical highs and swells are impactful and resonant. The lyrics are sometimes clunky, but I found myself fixated by several gems. Beautiful instrumentation throughout, with a few crunchy guitar solos to satisfy the more casual Killers listener. With how heavy the mood is, I don’t know howA surprising, poetic and somber entry into The Killers discography. The album takes its time and the musical highs and swells are impactful and resonant. The lyrics are sometimes clunky, but I found myself fixated by several gems. Beautiful instrumentation throughout, with a few crunchy guitar solos to satisfy the more casual Killers listener. With how heavy the mood is, I don’t know how often I will revisit as a whole, but I will definitely keep several tracks in my permanent rotation. Favorites currently are West Hills, In Another Life, and In the Car Outside, though I need more time to sit and sift through the more delicate cuts.… Expand
  29. womau1212
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is just beautiful and so poetic. I love it. Great storytelling and nice melodies.… Expand
  30. fabioDR
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    love to see their growth and the way this sounds uniquely different from their previous efforts
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Sep 15, 2021
    50
    Quiet Town and Runaway Horses exhibit tender lyrical themes, and there's brief respite in the dreamy haze of Sleepwalker and Pressure Machine. However, nostalgia and the shattering of childhood idylls reoccur through In the Car Outside and In Another Life. [Oct 2021, p.78]
  2. No Ripcord
    Aug 27, 2021
    70
    The band’s blinkered aspiration to create a classic again produces an album that is enjoyable but hollow. In that way, at least, Pressure Machine is a Killers album just like any other.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Aug 25, 2021
    75
    This stirring portrait of small town existence in its twilight serves as a necessary metaphor, applicable to many of the major issues currently facing the nation. It is most certainly The Killers’ finest album since Battle Born, and successfully proves The Killers as visionary musicians who shall surely help to define “classic rock” for many generations to come.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »