Las Vegas; home of classy hotels, big money casinos and…dragons! Imagine that! Yes the Nevada based tourist hot-spot is home to IMAGINE DRAGONS, who in 2012 burst onto the scene with their now multi-platinum debut album “Night Visions”. Huge singles like “Radioactive” helped catapult the 4-piece into the mainstream spotlight just like their fellow towns-folk THE KILLERS, and it looked like easy money for them to be the next big band. 2015 sees them release that forever difficult follow-up album; “Smoke + Mirrors”…is it all just that?
We start up with “Shots” which is a relatively up-beat, soft indie number. It’s straightforward enough, with its delicate vocals and gentle melody; it’s a decent song but not one that’s going to excite as an album opener and really a slightly wasted opportunity. The title track is a mellower affair altogether; it’s a slow burner of a song, subtle hints of COLDPLAY littered throughout the track in regards to its core sound but generally rather ambient, whereas “I’m So Sorry” steps up with a more guitar driven delivery, sounding far edgier, an album highlight.
Elsewhere tracks such as “I Bet My Life”, “Gold” and “Trouble” all keep things within a jovial tone of sorts, while “It Comes Back To You” and “Hopeless Opus” ensure the album is predominantly relaxed, with the album as a whole being really rather on the easy-going side. Imagine Dragons may not be as ballsy as other indie bands; few signs of any rock ‘n’ roll aspiration here, but it doesn't stop them releasing big tunes. That being said, there’s little sign of any real progression here and ultimately you could say it’s a bit safe. If they weren't a big name already, this is an album that could find itself being forgotten about. [6]
Website: http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com
We start up with “Shots” which is a relatively up-beat, soft indie number. It’s straightforward enough, with its delicate vocals and gentle melody; it’s a decent song but not one that’s going to excite as an album opener and really a slightly wasted opportunity. The title track is a mellower affair altogether; it’s a slow burner of a song, subtle hints of COLDPLAY littered throughout the track in regards to its core sound but generally rather ambient, whereas “I’m So Sorry” steps up with a more guitar driven delivery, sounding far edgier, an album highlight.
Elsewhere tracks such as “I Bet My Life”, “Gold” and “Trouble” all keep things within a jovial tone of sorts, while “It Comes Back To You” and “Hopeless Opus” ensure the album is predominantly relaxed, with the album as a whole being really rather on the easy-going side. Imagine Dragons may not be as ballsy as other indie bands; few signs of any rock ‘n’ roll aspiration here, but it doesn't stop them releasing big tunes. That being said, there’s little sign of any real progression here and ultimately you could say it’s a bit safe. If they weren't a big name already, this is an album that could find itself being forgotten about. [6]
Website: http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com
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