Preaching to the Choir
By Chris Carney
It seems increasingly frequent that Europe falls in love with American bands before we even know they exist. Kings of Leon, the three brothers Followill and a cousin to boot, define this enigma. Their latest album, “Because of the Times,” debuted at #1 on the UK music charts, their live performances earned them a second billing at the perennial juggernaut Glastonbury Festival in 2004 and they’ve sold out an end of the year, all arena tour in the UK.
Don’t fret quite yet though. For once being Johnny-come-lately may just be a boon. Unlike our friends across the pond, we get to enjoy Kings of Leon in small, intimate venues like The Joint at the Hard Rock. Ask any frequent concert goer and they’ll tell you smaller is definitely better.
The puzzle grows ever deeper as the depths of these Nashville twang-rockers are plumbed. While most kids were learning their ABC’s, the family Followill, went nomadic, touring the Bible Belt in a purple ’88 Oldsmobile alongside Pentecostal preacher father Leon.
Anachronism not only defines their nature it defines their music. Kings of Leon are full on musical missionaries. Catch their lyrical ministry now and you can say you knew them when the message was still young.
Published in Las Vegas Magazine 9-9-07
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