Gigs: Kings of Leon at Hammersmith Apollo
Rate this story
Related Articles
- Mar 07 - Gigs: The King Blues at Nexus
- Mar 06 - Ryan Adams live at the Apollo Victoria
- Dec 08 - Less Than Jake
- Nov 08 - The King Blues Interview
- Nov 08 - The King Blues Live
More by Nicola Corio
They went on to play a set which incorporated old favourites such as ‘Molly’s Chambers’, ‘The Bucket’, ‘Taper Jean Girl’ and ‘King of The Rodeo’, with the newer, cleaner sounds of their most recent album, ‘Because of the Times’.
The band are notoriously more popular here than in their U.S home, and it’s hard to see why. Their mix of country-infused garage rock, raw vocals, catchily wrritten tunes and entertaining lyrics, all just work. There was no filler through the set and every song was met with a cheer of appreciation; whether a single or not, they all held their own.
Though distinctive, the band have mastered their sound, while preserving the unique creativity of their songs. What they write about is simple and sweet: girls and parties and Tennessee life. And this authenticity comes through in their music.
Live, Caleb’s singing is flawless, screaming his way through the frustration of ‘Charmer’, while still being able to impart the tenderness in some of their more melodious, low-tempo songs.
The rest of the band simply stand on the stage, working together to build a great sound, with no desire, or need, to follow the trend of fashionable indie outfits with their gimmicky hair and clothing; they just played well, quietly taking pleasure in the audience’s enjoyment.
The atmosphere of the gig was one of pure thrill, as the crowd got to see these evident lovers of music play. In the small-ish Apollo crowd were dancing and smiling, there was no crush of outstretched arms craving celebrity, just pleasure in the experience. It was like being at their party.
Share this story
Email to a friend
Printable page
Delicious
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleUponlive,king,pleasure,apollo,leon
