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
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  1. Billyliar87
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Back to back solid showing from the Killers. While the “pop” and “new wave” sensibilities are shelved for americana folk/rock arrangements, they never lose their gleam. The songs are thicker and moodier, but I love that flowers still finds beautiful melodies to hook the listeners in. “West Hills”, “Quiet Town” “Sleepwalker” and “In the Car Outside” are standouts. While “Terrible Thing”,Back to back solid showing from the Killers. While the “pop” and “new wave” sensibilities are shelved for americana folk/rock arrangements, they never lose their gleam. The songs are thicker and moodier, but I love that flowers still finds beautiful melodies to hook the listeners in. “West Hills”, “Quiet Town” “Sleepwalker” and “In the Car Outside” are standouts. While “Terrible Thing”, “Desperate Things” and “Pressure Machine” are riskier/slower endeavors that I feel pay off. All in all, it’s an LP worth listening to in full. I don’t think it will please Killers fans looking for the next “The Man” or “Mr Brightside”. But fans of their last album and some of the gems from Sam’s Town and Battleborn will find a deep value if you’ve stuck with them. They’ve matured in the best way.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. mgallardoh
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Pressure Machine is a beautiful piece of art. The best album of The Killers so far.
  4. jonkulator
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Just a fantastic albun been a long time killers fan .Love that they are stadium rockers but this album feels like the realization of the potential they always had to be a great American band and even have a shot at the best band in the world right now .
    Cant wait to hear the next chapter in the Killerverse
  5. LangdonE
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    The storytelling on this album is fantastic. Lots of new sounds and it does a great job expanding the band's range. The spoken parts on the unabridged version help make this the most cohesive album from the Killers.
  6. bertobellamy
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    The Killers have found themselves. After a couple of uneven albums some years ago, the band is finally on a streak. 'Pressure Machine' is a collection of emotional bangers; no need to skip a single song. The one with Phoebe Bridgers is just heartbreaking, not to mention the opener. More bands need to follow the no-singles release promotion like The Killers to surprise their fans again.
  7. kikemaslow
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Lo amé es perfecto y preciso. Con este álbum confirmó porque son mi banda favorita de todas.
  8. igorls
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    As a concept album, The Killers reinvent themselves again with a quarentine album that marks their most distinctive piece of work until now.
  9. lcseixas
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Honestly, one of the most lovable releases of the past few years. To go back 25 years in your life and write about the hardships of the small town you used to hate is such a power play. Brandon Flowers really shines through in this 90's-alternative-folk-country-Springsteen-Bridgers brilliant record..
  10. Magicman980
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    I knew it was a concept Album going into it but I was not expecting this. While it was unexpected for me I throughly enjoyed the whole album including the voice overs added to the beginning of some songs. I feel some Killers fans will be disappointed if they were expecting the same sound as prior albums. I feel this album has aspects of Springsteen and Johnny Cash which might be the reasonI knew it was a concept Album going into it but I was not expecting this. While it was unexpected for me I throughly enjoyed the whole album including the voice overs added to the beginning of some songs. I feel some Killers fans will be disappointed if they were expecting the same sound as prior albums. I feel this album has aspects of Springsteen and Johnny Cash which might be the reason I love it. Some highlights for me are personally “West Hills”, “Cody”, “Desperate Things”, and “Pressure Machine”. I’m interested how some of these songs will be incorporated into their live shows.… Expand
  11. ssantiago445
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Sadly, some people will call it boring and dont see the true meaning behind it.
  12. Jimmyjovi89
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Killers take their Springsteen tribute to the next level, a beautiful, dark and lyrically strong album.… Expand
  13. GJC15
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    I’m a huge fan of The Killers, and this is the first time I’d ever classify one of their albums as a “grower”. Once you get into it, however, there is so much to love! It doesn’t have the immediate bombast that they have become so well known for, but it’s more earnest and story-driven than the band have ever been. I like these songs more with each listen, and that’s a great thing.
  14. freshmowngrass
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Somber, poetic, and shot through with hope. The stripped back instrumentation is reminiscent of 90s alt-rock and allows the subtle beauty of the lyrics and melodies to really shine. An unexpectedly beautiful album.
  15. Ryanj21
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Perfect from beginning to end. Flowers and the boys continue to release nothing but the best.
  16. fabioDR
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    love to see their growth and the way this sounds uniquely different from their previous efforts
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. Levichev
    Aug 13, 2021
    7
    I’ve remember last entry of Coldplay. Quiet Town is surely Trouble in the Town. Pressure Machine wants to be Everyday Life. It’s not bad, but there is no Orphans.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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
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