8/10

While many will agree that The Killers have lost a lot of what made them such an incredible band over the last few years, their frontman Brandon Flowers is heading in the other direction as 'The Desired Effect' shows a huge level of growth within the vocalist's own personal sound. With a number of notable guest appearances, including the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, this new release shows that Flowers is far from out of ideas.

With nearly five years past since the release of his debut solo album 'Flamingo', the singer has looked to expand his repertoire of influences and it seems that this record looks to recapture the sound of his own youth. Packed with anthemic 80s electro-pop, 'The Desired Effect' has this nostalgic impact but with such a high focus on the big and bold side to the overall rhythm, all the songs really come to life and shows an incredible level of confidence in both production and songwriting.

It is still a far way from anything The Killers have ever produced but that is entirely the point of this new record. Flowers has managed to combine a self-indulgent direction that both pleases and intrigues the listener, creating a brilliantly engaging new album.