Brandon Flowers.... but only just

Brandon Flowers

O2 Academy, Birmingham

review by James Watkins

It's tough pursuing a solo career. For a start, you're no longer surrounded by the musical mates who got set you on the road to place among the world's jetset, A-list gliteratti. And, second, you've got to convince your existing fans that your new tunes are just as good as the ones that made them fall in love with you - and your band - in the first place.

Brand Flowers,who made his name amongst indierock's elite as lead singer with The Killers, is making the tricksy transition to solo star.

His headline gig at Birmingham's O2 Academy was a sell out, though the audience largely consisted of devoting females eager for a glimpse of the dapper rock icon.

The gig, however, failed to deliver on numerous occasions and left the overall impression with having been underwhelming.

The opening ballad of On The Floor was a little slow to raise the crowds collective imagination, but an early play of Crossfire soon changed that and saw Flowers deliver.

Standout track Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts raised the tempo shortly after an unusual but charming cover of Kim Carnes' classic Bette Davis Eyes, that had raised a smile with the more mature revellers.

Although the show had moments of transendence, particularly his version of Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas, where Flowers voice bellowed strongly, the star of the show just seemed a little lost without his usual band members.

Flowers ended with The Clock Was Ticking, showing his country roots, before a farewell acoustic of When You Were Young. Most of the fans seemed to think Brandon had flowered, but only just.