By Erik Philbrook
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Kings of Leon |
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When Kings of Leon blazed onto the scene in 2003 with their Holy Roller Novacaine EP, their back story seemed to be the invention of a clever novelist: Three brothers (Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill) had spent their youth traveling across America's heartland with their evangelist father moving from one Pentecostal church to the next, with stops along the way at tent revivals. After their father left the church and settled the family down in Nashville, the boys picked up instruments and rushed headlong into the fire of rock 'n' roll. Joined by first cousin Matthew Followill, the quartet quickly devoured the ethos of classic Southern rock and unabashedly created their own version of it. With lyrics dripping with sex, alcohol and late nights, their songs boogied with a Southern accent, but possessed the scrappy soul of vintage garage rock.
With their musical chops and their good looks, Kings of Leon seemed too good to be true. Caleb (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Nathan (drums), Jared (bass) and Matthew (lead guitar) performed like a well-However, when they released a great debut, Youth & Young Manhood (RCA), and began to tour, America was slow to appreciate them. The U.K. on the other hand, with its penchant for worshipping authentic American rock greatness when it sees it, turned them into stars. Their second effort, 2004's Aha Shake Heartbreak, was released first in England and contained three singles that cracked the U.K. charts. When the album was released in the states in February 2005, legendary rockers U2 took the Kings out on the road, giving them greater exposure and the equivalent of a classic rock "seal of approval."
While their profile continued to rise, Kings of Leon didn't just stick to their original musical formula. They evolved, experimenting with new sounds, rhythms and themes. 2007's Because of the Times was darker and more expansive and featured production from revered producer Ethan Johns (who had worked on the band's previous releases as well). 2008's Only by the Night was more polished, but sizzled with a restless, almost new wave energy, most notably in the album's lead single, "Sex on Fire," which gave the band its first number one single in the UK. and the U.S. The album debuted at number four in the U.S. While their albums have received critical acclaim, the Followills have achieved perhaps their greatest reputation as one of the best live acts today. In addition to opening concerts for U2, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam, they have delivered towering performances around the world at festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading in England and Bonnaroo and Coachella in the U.S.
Kings of Leon have just nabbed three Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance by A Duo or Group, Best Rock Song for "Sex on Fire" and Best Rock Album for Only By the Night. But whether or not they add those industry jewels to their crown, hardcore fans already know the truth: these Kings rule!
