Three years after the release of “Mechanical Bull,” Nashville alt-rock darlings Kings of Leon are back with their seventh studio album “Walls.” Since their arrival on the scene in 2000, the band has gone from charming southern rockers to ultra successful arena rockers selling over 18 million albums, winning countless awards including three Grammys and headlining prestigious festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.
The Followill family returns to their signature sounds with an album full of huge pop hooks and a little more of the southern charm of their earlier years. The driving beats of “Waste A Moment” kick things off. It’s a fun, pop rock anthem that will have your toes tapping. Following that is the midtempo “Reverend” which has a great build to it and the uptempo “Around The World” with it’s catchy hook. So far nothing really new and exciting but a lot of what garnered them so much success. Midway through the record, things take a bit of a turn and we are treated to the slower groove of “Over” with an out of this world chorus and the laidback southern rock feel of “Conversation Piece.” Lead vocalist Caleb Followill does a fantastic job and the slower piece is ideally suited for his voice. The band truly saves the best for last with the title track closing the album. “Walls” is a poignant piano ballad that is a true example of less is more, filling the listener with a beautiful but understated melody.
“Walls” is a solid return from the multi-platinum rockers and is sure to please fans both new and old.
