The band’s banner raises, the stage fills with smoke, and the Kings emerge on stage. Three brothers and one cousin, the Hollowill boys make for unlikely Southerners. Gangly and pale, clean-shaven except for Nathan-physically they could easily be mistaken for one of the latest UK bands invading our shores.
Until the music starts, that is. Kings of Leon kicked off their Opera House set last week with “Molly’s Chambers,” perhaps the best song off their last album. Rocking versions of “Taper Jean Girl,” “Pistol of Fire,” and new single “The Bucket” from their new disc followed.
First appearing on the mainstream’s radar in 2003, the Kings’ Youth and Young Manhood was a refreshing pastiche of Skynyrd-era Southern-flavoured rock.
Now, Kings of Leon have returned with Aha Shake Heartbreak. More introspective and darker at times, the record establishes the Kings as music-makers capable of more than just simple radio ditties.
What you wouldn’t necessarily guess from the albums is just how heavy the band is live. Canadian Music Week or not, mid-week during the middle of winter or not, the Kings showed that when it comes to rocking out, they can amp it up to another level.
Mathew’s guitar screeched, Jared pounded his bass, Nathan thundered on drums, and Caleb did not sing so much as shrieked. (It’ll be a wonder if his vocal chords are able to hold out for the duration of the tour.)
In a way, Kings of Leon are probably the closest thing right now to the essence of American rock, if there is such a thing. From their casual disregard for our new smoking laws to their unabashedly loud music and freewheeling lifestyle, the Kings of Leon bring a spirit back to mainstream rock that’s been missing for some time.
And one thing the show decisively proved was that Kings of Leon are too big for the Opera House. Theirs is a sound meant to fill stadiums, something they should have ample opportunity to demonstrate when opening for U2 this spring.
The Dubliners had better bring their A-game if they don’t want to end up playing second fiddle on their own tour.
