Pressure Machine

Pressure Machine originated during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when the Killers recognized that the planned Imploding the Mirage world tour would have to be postponed. Although the Killers briefly considered using some of the songs left over from Imploding the Mirage to start their next album, they instead chose to embrace the idea of a concept record based on Brandon Flowers's childhood. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. described the choice by saying “But the sky was falling and we were hit with this emotion – especially Brandon. We wanted to do something following that feeling. I remember him saying, ‘Follow me down this road’. We put those songs to the side and embarked on something new and fresh. That’s what became ‘Pressure Machine’.”{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/big-reads/the-killers-cover-interview-2021-pressure-machine-3017430|title=The Killers: "There are a lot of young people unsure of their place in this world"|author=Trendell, Andrew|website=NME |date=13 August 2021 }} Dave Keuning rejoined the band in studio after having completed his own solo album A Mild Case of Everything, released in June 2021.{{Cite web|first=Tom|last=Skinner|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-killers-have-made-a-good-start-on-their-eighth-album-says-dave-keuning-2980731|title=The Killers have made "a good start" on their eighth album, says Dave Keuning|website=NME|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=August 19, 2021}}

Musically, the album has been described as Americana,{{Cite web |last=Brayden|first=Kate|date=August 13, 2021 |title=Album Review: The Killers - Pressure Machine|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-the-killers-pressure-machine-22866050|access-date=August 23, 2021 |website=Hot Press}} heartland rock{{Cite web |last=Campana|first=Andrea|date=August 13, 2021 |title=The Killers Pressure Machine Review|url=https://www.lascimmiapensa.com/2021/08/13/the-killers-pressure-machine-recensione/|access-date=August 19, 2021 |website=LaScimmiaPensa|language=Italian}} and folk rock.{{Cite web |last=Renaud |first=Philippe |date=August 13, 2021 |title=Pressure Machine, The Killers |url=https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/musique/624537/pop-pressure-machine-the-killers |access-date=August 15, 2021 |website=Le Devoir |language=French}} Flowers decided to write all the lyrics to the album prior to writing the album's music, and in the process tried to reflect on his own childhood.

For "Quiet Town", Flowers reflected on a teenage couple, Tiffany JaNae Taylor and Raymond Leo Newton, that were killed at a grade crossing accident with a Union Pacific train in 1994 when both were 17 years old.{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/1994/11/8/19141467/2-juab-students-who-died-in-train-car-crash-mourned|title=2 Juab Students Who Died In Train-car Crash Mourned|author=Trautvein,Myrna|date=8 November 1994 }} "Here, 25 years later, I was still really affected by this train accident from when I was in the eighth grade{{nbsp}}... Two seniors from the high school were killed. I had seen one of them that morning. They had a baby. I didn't go to grief counselling, they weren't my best friends – but I was just shocked at how emotional I was when I started to write this verse." Other aspects of the lyrics were based on the opioid epidemic, with the opening track "West Hills" narrating the story of an opioid addict in "possession of them hillbilly heroin pills."

The lyrics for the song "Terrible Thing" were written from the perspective of a gay teenager contemplating suicide as Flowers described, "There were kids I grew up with who I didn't know until years later that they were gay{{nbsp}}... It must have just been so hard. I think the world is moving in a more positive direction and a more inclusive direction, but this was still in the 90s and people kept this stuff close."{{cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/08/05/the-killers-brandon-flowers-terrible-things-gay/|title=The Killers' Brandon Flowers explains how 'gay teen contemplating suicide' inspired new song|author=Milton,Josh|date=5 August 2021 }} The song "Runaway Horses" featuring Phoebe Bridgers was partially inspired by her own cover of "Human" in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://happymag.tv/the-killers-phoebe-bridgers-collaboration/|title=The Killers return in 2021 with Phoebe Bridgers collaboration|author=Matsos, John-Alexander|date=4 August 2021 }}

For recording the band chose to use analog recording methods. As Flowers described, "You can get caught up in having money, and having time, in studios, and laboring over something. We were definitely guilty of that. This was different. Shawn was not allowed to mix on the computer. We are mixing on a board, old school to tape, and we weren't making a bunch of changes. We're going to try to keep the dust on this thing." Sonically, the band took inspiration from Johnny Cash, John Prine, and Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen. Influence for the spoken word interludes came from This American Life.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/indie/brandon-flowers-interview-reviews-every-album-killers-pressure-machine/|title=Brandon Flowers Reviews Every Album By The Killers|author=Hyden, Steven|date=12 August 2021 }}

The band announced the album on social media on July 19, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Isla |date=2021-07-19 |title=The Killers announce seventh studio album Pressure Machine |url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/07/19/the-killers-announce-seventh-studio-album-pressure-machine-14954651/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Metro |language=en}}

A deluxe edition of the album, featuring seven reimagined versions of three Pressure Machine tracks, was released on March 25, 2022. "The Getting By II", "The Getting By V" and "Runaway Horses II" present a more upbeat sound, while "The Getting By III", "The Getting By IV", "West Hills II" and "West Hills III" feature downbeat reinterpretations of the original songs. "West Hills III" is a gospel rendition of the opening track. "Runaway Horses II" sees Phoebe Bridgers removed from the mix.{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Damian|date=March 25, 2022|title=The Killers share seven new songs on deluxe version of 'Pressure Machine'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-killers-share-seven-new-songs-on-deluxe-version-of-pressure-machine-3190481|access-date=March 25, 2022|website=NME}}

{{Music ratings

| ADM = 7.5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/12968/The-Killers-Pressure-Machine.aspx|title=Pressure Machine by The Killers reviews|publisher=AnyDecentMusic?|access-date=August 19, 2021}}

| MC = 79/100{{cite web|title=Pressure Machine by The Killers|website=Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/pressure-machine/the-killers|access-date=September 15, 2021}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{Cite web |last=Yeung |first=Neil Z.|title=The Killers Pressure Machine AllMusic Review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/pressure-machine-mw0003559618 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=AllMusic}}

| rev2 = Clash

| rev2score = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=August 13, 2021 |title=The Killers - Pressure Machine|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-killers-pressure-machine |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=Clash}}

| rev3 = The Guardian

| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Damien |date=August 15, 2021 |title=The Killers: Pressure Machine review – their best album in years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/15/the-killers-pressure-machine-review-brandon-flowers-utah-childhood |access-date=August 15, 2021 |website=The Guardian}}

| rev4 = The Independent

| rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Helen |date=August 13, 2021 |title=The Killers review, Pressure Machine: Band embrace a new sonic restraint on an album lacking big tunes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-killers-review-pressure-machine-b1900570.html |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=The Independent}}

| rev5 = The Line of Best Fit

| rev5score = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Loftin |first=Steven |date=August 12, 2021 |title=Pressure Machine is The Killers bringing rural America to life with delicate intricacy |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/the-killers-pressure-machine-album-review |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=The Line of Best Fit}}

| rev6 = NME

| rev6score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Smith|date=August 13, 2021|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/the-killers-pressure-machine-review-3017509|title=The Killers – 'Pressure Machine' review: a fascinating, character-driven homecoming|access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=NME}}

| rev7 = Paste

| rev7score = 8.2/10{{Cite web |last=McDuffie|first=Candace |date=August 13, 2021 |title=The Killers Trade in Glitz and Glam for Haunting Narratives on Pressure Machine|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/the-killers/pressure-machine-review/|access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=Paste}}

| rev8 = Pitchfork

| rev8score = 6.6/10{{Cite web |last=D'Souza |first=Shaad |date=August 13, 2021 |title=The Killers: Pressure Machine Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-killers-pressure-machine/ |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}}

| rev9 = Slant Magazine

| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{Cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=August 13, 2021 |title=Review: The Killers's Pressure Machine Paints a Vivid Portrait of American Decay|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-killers-pressure-machine-album-review/ |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=Slant Magazine}}

| rev10 = Sputnikmusic

| rev10score = 5/5{{Cite web |author=Sowing|date=August 14, 2021 |title=Review: The Killers Pressure Machine|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/83615/The-Killers-Pressure-Machine/ |access-date=August 19, 2021 |website=Sputnikmusic}}

}}

Pressure Machine has received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 79 out of 100, which indicates "generally favourable reviews" based on 22 reviews. Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic considered the album's "matured focus on concept and mood [to save] the album from becoming an odd catalog misstep." Robin Murray of Clash felt that Pressure Machine "is perhaps the closest we've come to the emotional core of the group itself." Damien McCormick of The Guardian called the album "their best album in years" and an "uncharacteristically reflective album." Utah-based radio station KXRK praised the album for its authenticity in capturing life in rural Utah stating, "I think everyone from a small town in Utah and throughout the country will appreciate this spectacular gem. But make no mistake, it is blatantly local."{{cite web|title=Review: The Killers "Pressure Machine|url=https://x96.com/news/review-the-killer-pressure-machine/|author="Nuke'em",Todd|date=12 August 2021 }}

Helen Brown of The Independent was less positive stating, "Some of these lyrics would be better sold if Flowers could allow himself to stop the eyes-closed singing and adopt a conversational tone. A little more campfire crackle to his delivery would have helped lift these good short stories from the prettily glowing embers of forgettable and occasionally recycled melodies." Steven Loftin of The Line of Best Fit praised the album for being different from the bands' previous albums and stated, "Pressure Machine isn't made to compete with their jubilant, indie trenched past. It's made to be an honest portrayal of a life that, in its own desolate way, holds a white-hot shine to those that in turn hold it dear." NME{{'}}s review stated regarding the album, "It's a homecoming of discreet intentions, not the pompous heroes return they're likely used to – the modesty and subtlety suits them."

Candace McDuffie of Paste felt that the "emotional turmoil [of the record] makes it a thrilling—and kind of frightful—experience from start to finish." Shaad D'Souza of Pitchfork was also critical, stating, "Pressure Machine rarely escapes Flowers' Brandon Flowers-ness: try as he might—and you do get the sense that he's trying so, so hard—his usual wide-tipped brush can't do justice to what should be finely detailed scenes." Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine was positive towards the album and called it "the band's most sonically restrained effort to date." Sputnikmusic praised the album stating, "It's almost unbelievable how much more profound, mature, and seamless all of the songwriting, lyrics, and symbolism is here compared to any prior Killers' outing. Clearly, the toll of the pandemic and the change in scenery to Brandon's hometown brought out the best in him, and in turn, the entire band."

Pressure Machine was a finalist for the 2021 AML Award for lyrics.

All tracks are written by Brandon Flowers and Jonathan Rado, except where noted.

{{Track listing

| headline = Pressure Machine track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = West Hills

| writer1 =

| length1 = 5:42

| title2 = Quiet Town

| writer2 =

| length2 = 4:45

| title3 = Terrible Thing

| writer3 = Flowers

| length3 = 3:52

| title4 = Cody

| writer4 = {{hlist|Flowers|Ronnie Vannucci Jr.|Rado}}

| length4 = 3:50

| title5 = Sleepwalker

| writer5 =

| length5 = 4:27

| title6 = Runaway Horses

| writer6 = Flowers

| note6 = featuring Phoebe Bridgers

| length6 = 3:54

| title7 = In the Car Outside

| writer7 = {{hlist|Flowers|Dave Keuning|Rado}}

| length7 = 5:28

| title8 = In Another Life

| writer8 =

| length8 = 3:45

| title9 = Desperate Things

| writer9 =

| length9 = 5:16

| title10 = Pressure Machine

| writer10 = {{hlist|Flowers|Keuning|Rado}}

| length10 = 5:09

| title11= The Getting By

| writer11=

| length11= 5:09

| total_length = 51:17

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Pressure Machine (Abridged) track listing (omits spoken introductions)

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = West Hills

| writer1 =

| length1 = 5:08

| title2 = Quiet Town

| writer2 =

| length2 = 4:16

| title3 = Terrible Thing

| writer3 = Flowers

| length3 = 3:56

| title4 = Cody

| writer4 = {{hlist|Flowers|Ronnie Vannucci Jr.|Rado}}

| length4 = 3:37

| title5 = Sleepwalker

| writer5 =

| length5 = 4:04

| title6 = Runaway Horses

| writer6 = Flowers

| note6 = featuring Phoebe Bridgers

| length6 = 3:24

| title7 = In the Car Outside

| writer7 = {{hlist|Flowers|Dave Keuning|Rado}}

| length7 = 4:48

| title8 = In Another Life

| writer8 =

| length8 = 3:13

| title9 = Desperate Things

| writer9 =

| length9 = 5:21

| title10 = Pressure Machine

| writer10 = {{hlist|Flowers|Keuning|Rado}}

| length10 = 4:44

| title11= The Getting By

| writer11=

| length11= 3:48

| total_length = 46:19

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Pressure Machine (Deluxe) bonus tracks

| title12 = The Getting By II

| note12 = featuring Lucius

| length12 = 3:16

| title13 = The Getting By III

| length13 = 3:51

| title14 = The Getting By IV

| length14 = 3:18

| title15 = The Getting By V

| length15 = 3:25

| title16 = Runaway Horses II

| writer16 = Flowers

| length16 = 3:28

| title17 = West Hills II

| length17 = 3:50

| title18 = West Hills III

| length18 = 3:50

| total_length = 76:15

}}

Notes

• "West Hills III" is set to the Hymn tune Kingsfold as used in Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the tune for "If You Could Hie to Kolob" and in The English Hymnal as "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say."

{{div col}}

The Killers

• Brandon Flowers – vocals (all tracks), synthesizer (1–5, 7–8, 10), piano (1, 9)
• Ronnie Vannucci Jr. – drums (1–2, 4–5, 7–10), guitar (4)
• Dave Keuning – guitar (1, 4–8, 10), pedal steel guitar (6)

Additional musicians

• Gabriel Cabezas – cello (1, 6, 10–11)
• Sara Watkins – fiddle (1, 4, 10), violin (8)
• Joe Pug – harmonica (1–3), guitar (6)
• Rob Moose – strings (1, 6, 10–11)
• Jonathan Rado – synthesizer (1–2, 4–5, 7–8, 10–11), piano (2, 4–6), bass (2, 4–5, 7–8, 10), guitar (1–9, 11), harmonica (3), mandolin (4–5), organ (4, 6)
• Anjolee Williams – background vocals (2)
• Charles "ChuckHeat" Henderson-McCrary – background vocals (2)
• Nate Walcott – trumpet (4)
• Matthew Davidson – pedal steel guitar (5–6, 10)
• Griffin Goldsmith – background vocals (11)
• Taylor Goldsmith – background vocals (11)

Technical

• Jonathan Rado – producer (all tracks), recording engineer (5, 10)
• Shawn Everett – producer, mixer, recording engineer
• Chris Allgood – mastering engineer
• Emily Lazar – mastering engineer
• Jed Jones – recording engineer (1–2, 4–5, 7–9)
• Matt Breunig – recording engineer (1–2, 4, 7, 9)
• Will Maclellan – recording engineer (1–8, 10–11)
• Alec Eitram – recording engineer (2, 4, 8, 11)
• Raoul Ahmad – recording engineer (2, 4, 8, 11)
• Robert Root – recording engineer (4, 10)
• Rias Reed – recording engineer (5, 8, 10)

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Category:Island Records albums

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Category:Americana albums

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