Sunday, September 2, 2007

Bumber-blog: Kings of Leon mini-review

Believe me, Lorelei and I are indeed "working" this weekend at the festival, even though at the moment we're eating free ice cream that's been given to us in the press-media room. And having our own, frequently-stocked Pepsi fridge isn't too shabby either.

Now, onto Kings of Leon.

Honestly, I've never really warmed up to this group before. And I can't say that I'm a new convert either, after seeing and hearing them slap Memorial Stadium with a whopper of a performance. But I can say that I have more respect for them, as they commanded a lively show - even as rumor swirled that the Southern-based unit with biblical names to match was a tad under the weather.

Lead singer Caleb Followill, dresed in a tank top and vest and jeans with enough room to barely slide a piece of dental floss through, has a raw and powerful voice that draws you in. The huge crowd that gathered at Memorial Stadium were treated to songs from the band's albums, Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because of the Times. Like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, who opened the afternoon double-bill, Kings of Leon appeared to race through their set. Um, did they have Seahawks tickets or early din-din reservations?

Regardless of pace, Kings of Leon were on fire. Their sound was tight, a mix of fierce guitars, rockabilly drums, and toe-tapping bass lines, plus Caleb F's impressive vocals. These guys are real-life brothers (and a cousin to boot) - so I expect their phone bill on Mother's Day is expensive if they're on the road.

btw - Near KOL's finale, Caleb F asked the audience if they were waiting for Fergie, scheduled on the same stage at 9ish tonight. Almost everyone booed.

I also caught part of BRMC's set - and it was fine. The crowd was really into them - but they zipped from one song to the next.

Well, on my way to get a massage, eat some shitty and expensive food, then catch Apples in Stereo, The Cody Rivers Show (comedy), Army of Me, Art Brut, and Sean Paul w/ Fergie.

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