Kings of leon are a band associated with having all the trimmings of a rock band, sex, drugs and some rock n roll chucked in. Musically their a band most noticeable by their raw unique sound typified by the vocals of Caleb Followhill. A band which was brought to us in 2003, with a scuzzy rock sound and rasping vocals not usually heard in the modern era. Youth and young manhood was exactly that, tales of sexual debauchery and nights out told in a way not recognisable since the likes of the rolling stones, bringing a debut to match such names. Aha shake heartbreak, the second album by the band saw them keep their rock sensibilities whilst venturing towards a more open, jangly style ultimately getting them noticed in the mainstream, introducing quieter songs such as milk and day old blues. Album 3 (because of the times) saw them expanding their sound after touring with the likes of bob dylan and U2 with a sound to echo round stadiums, still keeping a good balance with more raw songs such as charmer. After 3 succesful albums kings of leon are held in high regard by fans and critics alike, but can they keep up the pace with album 4?
Opening song closer anounces itself with landscaping echoes by a slow siren and thumping drums, becoming clear straight away that the kings want to expand their sound further and ultimately place themselves with the elite. As the drum beat pounds on caleb howls the lyrics "she took my heart, i think she took my soul" in a more sensitive vocal style than the rasping voice we've become accustomed to. Throughout the band are tight and build up an asmosphere with the incessant sirens and drums holding pace as the guitar echoes signitures over the top.
Crawl, the opening single in the USA and probable 2nd UK single, is a much scuzzier affair closer to songs showcased on because of the times. The song is commanding and strutting, with pounding drums and distorted guitars as the singer shouts "you better learn to crawl before i walk away" leading into howling guitars.
Opening song closer anounces itself with landscaping echoes by a slow siren and thumping drums, becoming clear straight away that the kings want to expand their sound further and ultimately place themselves with the elite. As the drum beat pounds on caleb howls the lyrics "she took my heart, i think she took my soul" in a more sensitive vocal style than the rasping voice we've become accustomed to. Throughout the band are tight and build up an asmosphere with the incessant sirens and drums holding pace as the guitar echoes signitures over the top.
Crawl, the opening single in the USA and probable 2nd UK single, is a much scuzzier affair closer to songs showcased on because of the times. The song is commanding and strutting, with pounding drums and distorted guitars as the singer shouts "you better learn to crawl before i walk away" leading into howling guitars.
The next song is the rousing sex on fire previously reviewed as a single, closer to classic kings of leon tracks such as Mollys Chambers and holds its own in such ranks.
Fourth track Use Somebody is a slow burner in the mold of on call, with "woah ohhs" over an unusually standard chord change for kings of leon, however the soulful vocals singing "Oh babeh i cud use somebody, somebody like you" make this track so good. The way the song builds up with a presence of pounding drums and a sub-chorus about 3/4 of the way through makr this an interesting track and potential single.
Manhattan is similar musically to a track such as Where Nobody Knows from the 2nd album, however this song is more ambitious with echoing U2 sounding guitar and further soulful singing howling the lyrics.
"What a night for a dance, you know im a dancing machine" opens a smooth song about a love shared but ruined by the singers lust for sex, which the girl isn't giving, eventually tearing apart their good relationship on track, Revelry. His pleads of "dreaming of revelry" offset by wailing guitars and more "wo ooh ooh's".
17 opens with clashing drums and unusual bells, as caleb shows us the side of his voice trained when younger at the choirs he attended as he hits the high notes singing "ooh she's only 17" with guitar riffs howling along building into a chorus oh harmonising oohs singing the praises of the girl "oh your 1 in a million" as it transpires as another potential single.
U2's stadium rock influence clearly comes in again on Notion with jangly guitars and a plodding bassline. I want you is another slow burning love-making song sweetly singing "I want you, exactly like i used to" with the band so tightnit that as on opener closer the guitars can wander off and back to great effect.
Pounding drums and swooping guitars open be somebody as caleb struts in "i loosen my tie, i loosen my tie" and "you cant get enough" before the tempo changes and caleb swoons "Given a chance, I'm gonna be somebody" all about him trying to get the girl by ripping up the dancefloor, appropriatelyanother potential single.
Cold desert ends the album with some lovely guitar playing as the album gently winds away.
This album follows on from 3 great albums, all packed with great, original and passionate songs. Only by the night does not dissappoint, although hardcore fans may need some time for it to grow. On the whole this album is ambitious and original, with tracks such as crawl and sex on fire satisfying fans of old as newbies use somebody 17 and be somebody seep into your brain. Technically the best of the four and musically placing them inside stadiums alongside greats where they belong. If they keep up this pace their place in history awaits.
9/10
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