Review: Smoke & Mirrors

It's been three years since Imagine Dragons bust onto the scene with Night Visions and it's delightful to hear from them again. Their light electro-pop vibes are here in time for the Spring and I can guarantee that at least one of these songs will become your summer anthem.

Just like Night Visions, a lot of the lyrics from the songs on Smoke and Mirrors are very deep which contrast beautifully with the chilled out aura they project, which makes this album perfect for both dancing around in a field and the angsty rages in teenage bedrooms.

I couldn't help but notice a slight shift away from the heavy drums used in their previous songs and a jump towards indie rock, with what sounds like influences from Jack White and The Black Keys. 'I'm So Sorry' sounds a lot like it would not be out of place if it was thrown into the middle of a White Stripes set. Don't get me wrong, their indie lightness is still there in places. 'The Unknown' makes you realise that yes, Imagine Dragons already had a strong sound set out in Night Visions and fully intended to bring these sounds into their second album, however, it is fully obvious that they have grown as a band and know their influences.

Imagine Dragons are touring in November and I can't wait to see what they do with this album. I loved the drum build ups and the staging that came with Night Visions and I really hope they do something similar for Smoke & Mirrors. A magic theme would be brilliant if you;re reading this lads!

Photo Credit: Eliot Lee Hazel