CD Review: KINGS OF LEON – BECAUSE OF THE TIMES

KINGS OF LEON – BECAUSE OF THE TIMES

(RCA RECORDS)

Release: APRIL 3

I've got to admit to not being much of a fan of Kings Of Leon. Their first record seemed all hype- young boys with big beards and old style rock, and their second a hurried attempt to capitalise on their success. Yet their third studio album, Because Of The Times (BOTT) has changed my tune.

It's the sound of a band who have found their sound. They're comfortable together and because of that, together with producers Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams) and Angelo Patraglia, they've relaxed the rules and explored new areas. BOTT boldly opens with the band's first ever song to last over 5 minutes. It's a slow burner with harmonic guitar riffs over thumping drums. After the scuzzy, U2 influenced "Charmer" comes the first single "On Call". It builds from synth and bass to a chugging guitar line and a wonderfully catchy chorus. Next follows two staduim anthems, McFearless and "Black Thumbnail" with towering choruses and huge guitars. There's enough here to satisfy the fans, but the likes of the "Ragoo" with it's reggae beat and the deceptively simple "Fans" provide plenty of ammunition for the preacher's sons to win over new converts. No matter what you might think of Kings Of Leon, Because Of The Times will alter your perspective.

Download: On Call, McFearless, Fans
For fans of: The Strokes, The White Strips, The Libertines

Rating: 4/5

Buy it from Amazon

Stream 'On Call'

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