Southern rockers pursue a chiller state on their fifth record.
It was hard to imagine what Kings of Leon would produce as a follow up to 2008’s Only by the Night. The album was a vastly successful yet drastic break from their former Southern Rock aesthetic that garnered them multitudes of awards and new fans. Their fifth album, Come Around Sundown, is ultimately a fitting progression for the band. A mix between their tried and true quirky rock feel and newer, radio–friendly songwriting, the album aims for a more chilled-out vibe than previous recordings as evidenced by its cover art: a picturesque sundown and tropical beach. This relaxed feel, however, can sound a bit lackluster.
Come Around Sundown will not have the single–producing power of the band's previous attempt. Some more interesting moments can be found in the driving bassline of the first single, “Radioactive,” and the country–meets–Beach Boys “Mary.” However, many of the tracks fall flat, sounding less chill and more boring (as in the slightly-too-country “Back Down South”). Come Around Sundown increases in value with a full listen–through; the album sounds good as a whole. Each track fits into the general theme and if you don’t listen too hard, you’ll be relaxed in no time.
Sounds Like: Sunburnt Radiohead meets The Beach Boys 99-Cent Download: "Pony Up" Good For: Late-night studying 3/5 Stars
