Artist: Kings of Leon
Album: Come Around Sundown
Label: RCA
Rating: 4
The fifth studio album of southern rock group Kings of Leon showed a slower paced yet entirely powerful new direction that the band seems to be heading in. The three Followhill brothers (and cousin) bring their own brand of melodic riffs and melodramatic sensuality with Come Around Sundown. While the arena rock showmanship of Only by Night seems to fade into the background and only appear on one song, “Mary,” the band exemplifies a raw energy that is both admirable and fitting for the fervent religiosity and southern rock riffs that Kings of Leon seems to wallow in.
Although it feels like a safe play, where Kings of Leon sticks to what they know best – the beach-y, easygoing hooks with soul-shattering choruses – the album is solid front to back. There is variety in the compositions of the songs and some tracks, like single “Radioactive,” really stand out. This album may feel underwhelming, but it’s a great stepping-stone to the Kings of Leon that might be.
Give these tracks a listen: “Pickup Truck,” “Pyro”
For fans of: My Morning Jacket, Cold War Kids
– Anastasia Zhuravleva
