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Kings Of Leon
One of the toughest things for bands to adjust to is touring. The transient life. The boredom, the miles of empty vistas and the loneliness of never really belonging anywhere. Of course, if you've already spent a considerable amount of time on the road the transition is not so difficult. Caleb, Nathan and Jared were the sons of a traveling Pentecostal minister spreading the Word throughout the South. Caleb and Jared hailed from Tennessee while Nathan and cousin Matthew were born in Oklahoma. In '86, the family finally settled down for a few years when old man Followill became the minister at a Pentecostal church in Munford, TN. Not the sort of place that encourages Rock 'n' Roll rebellion.
Like countless musicians the Followill boys earned their musical chops playing in church. Only when their father left the ministry did the Followills looked beyond the church for their livelihood. Running headlong into Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty and Rolling Stones albums was their jumping off point. Interestingly, those influences did not dominate. Rather, the Followill's honed a roots/rustic style that was, in part, inspired by White Stripes' lean approach.
The Followill's re-located to Memphis in '00 and began writing songs. Soon they landed a publishing deal. They became the Kings Of Leon - "Leon" being the name of their father and grandfather. Brandishing a Southern Rock sound, the Kings of Leon were signed by RCA. In '03, they released the EP "Holy Roller Novocaine.." It was soon followed by the full length "Youth and Young Manhood," which contained songs from the EP. After touring with The Strokes, the Kings Of Leon returned in '05 with "Aha Shake Heartbreak."
"Because Of The Times," the third studio album from the Kings Of Leon, arrived in April, '07. Because of the Times is also the name of an annual Pentecostal gathering the brothers often attended in their youth.
"These songs are so much bigger, this band is so much better," said Caleb. He added that the album's title can be taken one of two ways. If an album does well it's "because of the times" or if it bombs, it's "because of the times." The set featured the single "On Call."
The front cover of "Youth and Young Manhood" looks like it could have been for a '70s Southern Rock band (four faces staring out from under shaggy hair). And the Kings Of Leon draw from the same well. Between Caleb's muddy vocals and the swampy guitars "Youth and Young Manhood" has an off-the-cuff informality. In promotional materials and reviews comparisons with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Creedence Clearwater Revival creep in. However complimentary, it's a bit off the mark. The Kings of Leon bare a closer resemblance to The Band's loose and free flowing style. The Kings Of Leon play a Country influenced Rock (more Rock than Country) with ragged glory.
"Red Light Glory" kicks off "Youth and Young Manhood" with some drive. "Holy Roller Novocaine" features Caleb's lamenting vocals as the group plays on its church experience. "Molly's Chambers" has a true Southern Rock ring and lacks any unnecessary polish. The Kings Of Leon can Rock, wail and moan. And do it without pretension.
Following their impressive debut, the Kings Of Leon deliver more of the same on "Aha Shake Heartbreak." Once again Caleb's vocals keep the whole thing from sounding slick and over-produced. "The Bucket," "Four Kicks" and "Pistol Of Fire" will get a room moving.
The Kings are still loose and organic on "Because Of The Times." Only "Black Thumbnail" really employs a "southern shuffle." More frequently, the Kings tread Springsteen's turf with the acoustic set opener "Knocked Up" (a song on just the subject the title implies) and "Camero," a different take on the "Pink Cadillac" theme.
While the ballads fall short, the Kings can create a pulsating rhythm so good that Caleb can get away with singing, "she stole my karma" ("Charmer"). "On Call," with a pumping bass line, does the trick. Check out "True Love Way," "Ragoo" and "Fans."