Flowers a big presence in small Shimmer Cabaret

Eyes shut, heart open, he could have been addressing himself.

"This is not like you," Brandon Flowers sang, his voice as big as the room was small.

The song was "Was It Something I Said?," a funky shuffle with beeping keys that Flowers gave voice to with the aiming-to-please energy of a politician on the stump.

This was The Killers frontman's first solo gig, Sunday night in the intimate confines of the Shimmer Lounge at the Las Vegas Hilton, and it had an equally fresh and familiar feel to it.

Performing songs from his forthcoming record "Flamingo," which is scheduled for release on Sept. 14, Flowers was a kinetic presence, grinning wide, undulating like his flesh was a prison that he was attempting to escape.

Backed by a pair of female singers, a bassist in shades, a drummer in a suit and tie and a pair of guitarists (one of whom also played keys), Flowers benefitted from a full-bodied sound that suits the robustness of the tunes.

Flowers has made it known that some of the material written for "Flamingo" began as songs for the next Killers record, and it's not a stretch to imagine the rousing "Crossfire," the first single off of "Flamingo," anchoring a Killers album.

When Flowers played it, early on during his 10-song, 45-minute set, the crowd erupted, singing along boisterously as if it were already a live favorite.

But "Flamingo" also sees Flowers adding subtle new shades to the bright-hued rock 'n' roll that he's become known for in his full-time outfit.

"I can roll with the changes," he sang on "Hard Enough," a stirring duet with his backing singers that Flowers sang with his hands clasping his chest.

With its touches of lap steel guitar, bluesy slow-burner "Playing With Fire," which Flowers ended the show with, was a highlight, as was "Magdalena," with its country and western flourishes.

"Please don't offer me your modern methods," he pleaded on the latter tune, perhaps acknowledging the more rustic vibe prevalent on "Flamingo."

While most of the night was about unveiling his new record, Flowers did take a few detours, playing a lean and mean version of The Killers' "Losing Touch" and an invigorated cover of Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes."

Through it all, he never stood still, physically or creatively.

"Roll your dice," Flowers commanded on the climactic "Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts." "Show your cards," he continued, sounding like a man convinced that he held a winning hand.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.