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Mathew Scott

Kings of Leon

Because of  the Times

(Sony BMG)

The family Followill - brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared, and cousin Matthew - have been on a steep learning curve since their breakthrough debut, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003.

Their style is built on the back of Caleb's laconic, gruff vocals, laid over rolling guitar work that has its roots deep in Southern rock. Youth  was a celebration of exactly that - infectious in its enthusiasm for life and all its possibilities.

Fast-forward four years and  the Kings have matured, Caleb developing his range and digging deeper for  lyrics,  and they  take a lot more chances with  arrangements.

Gone are the straight-out rock assaults,  replaced by more layered pieces  - and even the occasional string section.  It might not be what many fans expected, but it's hard  not to be impressed.

The opening Knocked Up lingers with menacing intent, and immediately showcases  the confidence Caleb has built  in expanding his vocal range.

By the time Black Thumbnail rolls around, the lads are back on more familiar turf. 'I try so awful hard but I can't change,' Caleb bellows. But change is what the album is all about.

True Love Way, for example, is as close as the Kings will ever get to a power ballad. They turn up the volume again soon after, though, letting rip on the cheeky Fans and bring things to a  close with the  majestic and bittersweet Arizona.

It leaves you wondering just where they'll go  next.



Kings of Leon