Kings of Leon - Becauseof the Times

Thu 22nd Mar, 2007 in Music Reviews

We all know the story of Kings of Leon. A four-piece family band, residing in Nashville, Tennessee, made up of the three Followill brothers (Nathan on drums, Jared on bass and Caleb on vocals and rhythm guitar) and a cousin (Matthew, lead guitar). Raised by a preacher who was subsequently defrocked for alcoholism, they gained musical experience playing in churches, releasing their raucous and rollicking debut, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003. It was a hillbilly-infused, indie/southern rock disc that made the world sit up and listen to its unique sound. They gained influential fans like Johnny Borrell from UK band Razorlight (who have covered Kings of Leon song Milk at their own shows and who namecheck the band in their song Los Angeles Waltz), rock god Dave Grohl, and of course, New York hipsters The Strokes. They wasted no time releasing a second album, the more stripped back and somewhat reserved Aha Shake Heartbreak released in late 2004. Since then, however, the Followills have largely ignored the studio, preferring to tour the world, both on their own and supporting superband Pearl Jam (and über band U2). But finally, almost two and a half years after …Heartbreak, their hugely anticipated third album is here.

Because of the Times, named after a religious convention held in Louisiana, opens with the steady drumbeat of Knocked Up, which quickens as the bass kicks in with a mournful, winding melody. High pitched guitar notes screech before finally, the familiar country-style rhythm guitar pulls the song together. Thus begins a seven minute ode to forbidden love; the lyrics namechecking Coup De Villes, renegades, rebellion, and of course, the illegitimate child in question.  Second track Charmer, with its mean bassline and meaty guitar riff, is permeated by a bizarre squeal/howl (it has to be heard to be believed) from Caleb, with the repeated refrain “She’s such a charmer, oh no”. 

First single On Call is third cab off the rank and is a soulful, bass-driven tune that touches on the idea of devotion. McFearless, one of the new songs tested out on Australian audiences during the Pearl Jam tour, marked the first time all four members of the band sang in unison. The band channels The Police with the reggae-infused Ragoo, whereas when you hear the sparse first notes of Trunk you feel like you’ve just stepped into a seedy saloon in a Clint Eastwood western. Camaro’s riff is a nod to the macho guitar rock of the 1980s, with a defined Tom Petty/John Mellencamp vibe. True Love Way and The Runner are gorgeous, searing, slow songs that allow Caleb’s voice to shine, while Black Thumbnail, My Party, and Fans have the classic hillbilly spirit within them.  While these three songs are the most similar to the Yout and Young Manhood songs, it is clear that this band has grown immensely. It’s hard to believe that this album is produced by the same team (Angelo/Ethan Johns) responsible for the other two discs. This album’s sound is clearer, the lyrics more discernible, and the band sounds tighter as a unit. 

Kings of Leon, unlike many of their contemporaries, have never had trouble changing things up.  Their second album was vastly different from their first, and with this third outing, you get the feeling that they have finally found a balance.  The sound is more developed and sophisticated, yet the band has not relinquished their distinctly Southern roots. They seem to work better as a band, each member mastering his instrument, especially Caleb, who seems to have complete control over his often garbled man-howl. His voice seems to change slightly with every song, each note truly emotive. The album closes with Arizona, which is possibly the best work they have ever done. It is everything you expect from a Kings of Leon song: plaintive, sleazy and affecting; yet it also has a lot of tenderness. It is a thoughtful, almost regretful song, yet not overblown and soppy. It is the perfect ending to a near perfect album. 

The term ‘near perfect’, for other bands, might be an insult. But for Kings of Leon, to be perfect would be to disregard their very spirit: messy, raw, dirty, youthful, sexed-up, and above all, deeply conscious (shown lyrically, of course) of their own faults. Even so, Because of the Times leaves you with the feeling that the Followills might be starting to grow up.

Well, maybe just a little bit.