Kings of Leon are three brothers and one cousin that hail from
Tennessee. Ranging in age from 19 to 23 years old, these kids definitely
sound mature beyond their years. Earlier this year, the Kings released the
Holy Roller Novacaine ep which blew the socks off of this reviewer. Playing a
classic rock sound with a fresh twist, lead singer Caleb Followill eerily
sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd's late great Ronnie Van Zandt. Where their
debut album falters a bit is the fact that all the hard hitters from their
ep are unfortunately their best songs. The one track that comes close from
Manhood is the second track "Happy Alone," where guitarist Matthew Followill
picks a killer four chord riff that makes it impossible not to stomp your foot to.
Also a big gripe is that the best track by far on the ep "California
Waiting," was changed on the album to be more straight ahead rock, and less jangly.
Extremely bad move; The ep is definitely worth owning just for the alternate
version of that song alone. Even though Manhood is not a fantastic album, it
shows something that is lacking in most bands these days and that is
potential. These young guys ooze promise for the future.