It's marvellous how the band can sustain the mood for over seven minutes, armed with little more than a simple guitar-flecked shuffle groove and Caleb's voice, one of the most distinctive instruments in rock'n'roll.  Full text...

Kings of Leon move closer to the edge with their experimental — and best — CD, Because of the Times  Full text...

There were all sorts of new energy and wit in the Strokes-Skynyrd music as the Kings unloaded their fantastic groupie tales -- the girl in "Soft" would paint your toes and let her "perfect nipples" show, while the girl in "Milk" had an hourglass body and lent you her toothbrush.  Full text...

It sprawled from the South. "Southern Strokes" return, swampily.  Full text...

We get echoing desert rock, dirt'n'diesel blues, honky-tonk vocals and, in the case of Charmer, some highly disconcerting screams. If you like your Americana raw and passionate, look no further.   Full text...

Because of the Times is smart enough to make the epic sound meaningful. The opener, Knocked Up, faces paternity like a Southern romeo on Jerry Springer. “She don’t care what her mama says/ she’s gonna have my baby,” sings Caleb as the band show off lessons learnt from touring with U2. Once being loaded would have sufficed, now Kings of Leon come loaded with intrigue, too.  Full text...

At first glance, it would appear that not much has changed in the world of Kings Of Leon. The bizarre haircuts and facial hair combinations are present and correct, Caleb Followill still looks like a grunged-up Legolas from Lord Of The Rings and still occasionally yelps like his testicles have just been slammed in a door.  Full text...

Enigmatic family act still struggling to connect.  Full text...