Artwork:
Bron: www.kingsofleon.com
Kings of Leon have found their new comfort-zone
Kings of Leon burst into the spotlights with their 2008 hit-album “Only By The Night”. Ever since, the band seemed uncomfortable with their newfound world-fame, criticizing fans for only being familiar with their hit songs. Albums “Come Around Sundown” and “Mechanical Bull” spawned some hit singles, but they showed a band who seemed to be a bit scared to write a massive cracker. With their new album “Walls”, the band seems to have let go of that state of mind. They seem to have found their own comfort-zone, and it’s a good one.
Starting the album is first single “Waste A Moment”, which became a hit immediately after its release. It features that signature Kings of Leon sound that makes you want to sing along after the first spin, and it is great to have that back. The band seems to slow down a bit more on “WALLS”, but without losing the catchiness you want from them. Songs like “Reverend” and “Around the World” keep repeating over and over in your head, a feat that goes on throughout almost the entire record.
This results in a record that doesn’t sound necessarily new or fresh, which is probably the record’s biggest flaw. It sounds like Kings of Leon all over, it’s great for the fans and it is great radio audience. But for those seeking for growth in Kings of Leon might be disappointed in this album. An exception on this could be the song “Over”. Like many Kings of Leon songs, it leans heavily on a terrific bass riff, but it shines with a beautiful crafted atmosphere that makes you think of songs like “Closer” (“Only By The Night”) and “On Call” (“Because of the Times”).
If there is one thing that could come as a surprise, it’s that Kings of Leon is not afraid to take their foot off the gas a little more on this album. It features slower songs than previous albums, although Kings of Leon have of course never been afraid to put in a little ballad on their records. However, with four songs out of ten being somewhat slower, you could call this surprising, and a pleasant surprise at that. In Kings of Leon tradition, the album ends with a ballad, the beautiful and haunting “WALLS”, which sees singer Caleb Followill at his most emotional and fragile. The song proves to be a major highlight of the album, a smart pick for the album closer.
Kings of Leon seems to have matured even more on this record. They have left behind their need to not make hits, and seem to have found a sound that is unmistakably their own. This results in a very decent and solid album, unfortunately with only very few surprises. A few surprises in the future in their sound would be a very welcome variation, but for now the band be very proud of their new album, and of their seemingly newfound maturity and comfort-zone.
Top songs:
-Waste a Moment
-Around the World
-Over
-WALLS
Best Lyric:
Oh, take the time to waste a moment
Oh, never ask to be forgiven
("Waste a Moment")
Musicians:
Caleb Followill - Vocals, Guitars
Jared Followill - Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Matthew Followill - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Nathan Followill - Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer:
Markus Dravs
Recorded
Henson Recording Studio's, Hollywood, CA
Released:
14 October 2016
Reviewed by:
Thijs Grootveld
Rating:
7,5/10
7,5/10
