We know Kings Of Leon is capable of huge rock music, but the more impressive feat is when they’re able to hold back the urge to hit their instruments as loud as possible. The album’s most alluring aspect is its style of restraint. There is also “Echoing,” a rock and roll march that gives the somewhat weaker second half of the record a little more bite. For those missing the hard rock drive of “Sex On Fire” or the anthemic crash of “Use Somebody,” there is “The Bandit,” an urgent new-wave rock song powered by a rolling bass line and shimmering guitar leads. Rock music is seldom lyrically-driven, but Kings Of Leon’s marriage of songwriting and musicianship is a unique blend previously untouched by the band.ĭespite the overall calmer energy of the album, there are still echoes of the group’s rollicking roots. Throughout the album, Followill’s lyrics are less about volume and more about content. As lead singer Caleb Followill pleads “One more night, one more night, will you stay here?,” you don’t just listen and take it in you find yourself pondering the question. The opening track, “When You See Yourself, Are You Far Away,” is a bouncing workout of chiming guitars and busy percussion work. The first side of this record in particular has a sense of thoughtfulness to it. Now, in the presence of a global pandemic and a seemingly eternal absence of live music, the seasoned industry veterans search for newer, even more intriguing avenues in their new release. Their previous effort, 2016’s “WALLS,” planted some seeds in the transition from big rock to smaller, more sensitive songs. The initial conception of Kings Of Leon in the early 2000s was one of southern rock swagger mixed with modern rock flash and flare. Nashville’s own Kings Of Leon is no different, as their new album, “When You See Yourself,” finds them winding through more subdued melodies and contemplative song structures.
The modern rock band is constantly evolving, and it has now reached the point of old dogs learning new tricks, with acts like Foo Fighters, The Strokes and Weezer finding new pallets to paint with.