Brandon Flowers@ O2 Academy

Brandon Flowers photo by Lucy Hamblin

Killer’s front man Brandon Flowers descends on Liverpool’s 02 Academy creating a hysteria that only bona fide indie/rock stars can create.

The venue is rammed, including the balcony area and if it wasn’t for the fact that the academy, to its credit, does have air-conditioning there may have been a few fainters on the night. Although, the fainting would more likely be caused by Brandon Flowers’ dazzling all-American smile as opposed to the heat. There’s no question about it, he’s a handsome guy who can rock a waistcoat like no other.

Anyway, onto the music; Brandon’s debut solo album Flamingo initially feels like a bit of a grower, but hearing the album live – well that is a whole other story.

The crowd sings along to every song creating an infectious buzz. The album does sound far better live, and highlights of the set include Hard Enough, Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts, Was It Something I said and current single Crossfire.

He also does two rousing covers; the first is Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes, and the second is The Beatles helter Skelter.

Brandon looks genuinely pleased to be at Liverpool’s O2 academy, frequently flashing his beaming smile at the crowd. And he finally answers the question that must have been plaguing everyone – Is he going to perform any Killers songs?

Oh, yeah! He sang Losing Touch from the album Day & Age and, much to the delight of the crowd, When You Were Young from Sam’s Town. Although, this version of When You Were Young was a stripped down acoustic version and sounded sublime.

Brandon Flowers really excels as a live performer, and he more than proves that he can cut it as a solo act. If you get the chance to catch him live, be it with The Killers or solo, take it – as he really does posses that certain je ne sais quoi.

Comments about Brandon Flowers@ O2 Academy