Nashville, Tennessee's own Kings of Leon make their long awaited return with their all new studio release titled Mechanical Bull. The follow up to 2010's Come Around Sundown finds the alt-rockers continuing to bring with them their Southern charm and fascination for all things country with their exclusive blend of rock that is representative of the area in which they grew up in and also expresses their earnest musical influences that has gotten them to the point where they are now.
We kick things off with the indelible first single "Supersoaker", a high energy, steady rocker that features the weathered lead vocals of Caleb Followill contributing a great deal to the band's melodic output and has been a hallmark of the band's sound ever since they first began more than 10 years ago. "Rock City" has a sleek, sophisticated classic rock influence to it that takes you back to the 70's and the guys definitely play the part wonderfully with their fashion style fitting in well and giving the album a retro flashback feel to it. "Beautiful War" has a decidedly more downtempo feel to it that features lush instrumental arrangements brought to you by Caleb's brothers Jared and Nathan, plus their cousin Matthew providing a focused and creative family dynamic that is wholly unique and unlike any other musical outlet currently out there today. "Temple" is probably my favorite track off the album with its upbeat musical nature and fast paced tempo providing the perfect balance between all the other tracks featured on the disc and gives the effort some much needed clout and musical structure to it.
The second half begins with "Family Tree" a bombastic, fun filled track with an amazing drum pattern from Nathan that is a real treat to listen unfold right before you, and presents the band right square dab in their comfort zone that has served them well in the past, and works to fruition right here also. "Tonight" has a darker edged tone to it that has a vastly different musical makeup than the other tracks, but fits in well with the intention of each track to provide a wealth of diversity to the listener and give them something different to look forward to each and every time. We start to close up shop with "Coming Back Again" a gritty, flapping rocker with sharp and precise guitar riffs getting straight to the point and showcasing the band's stage presence and musical influences that have been scattered all about on the disc. "On the Chin" concludes our stay here with a downtempo and homegrown track that brings in all the influences we've heard in some capacity, and brings us an encapsulated overview for those just tuning in catching them up on what they may have missed so far. I was never a big Kings of Leon fan when I first heard them back in 2003, but grew attached to them upon listening to Aha Shake Heartbreak and really began to appreciate their musical stylings, most notably the track "Taper Jean Girl" that completely encapsulates their Southern charm and musical appreciation for everything that was around them growing up.
To sum it all up, a well rehearsed and plotted out effort from Kings of Leon, who continue to bring their blend of Southern inspired rock to the masses and present a band expressing the environment around them growing up, and how it has made them the men they are today.
Album Score: 3.5/5
Track Listing:
- Supersoaker
- Rock City
- Don't Matter
- Beautiful War
- Temple
- Wait for Me
- Family Tree
- Comeback Story
- Tonight
- Coming Back Again
- On the Chin
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