Some raw, honest evangelism from the Deep South monarchs.

The Kings Of Leon are three brothers and a cousin from America’s red-necked Deep South. They preach a blend of raw country blues and rock ‘n’ roll, informed by the music of The Band, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. “We sound like stuff that comes from way before our time because that’s where most of our influences come from,” says Jared Followill, the youngest brother, at 16, and bass player.

The brothers are sons of Leon Followill who swapped a life of crime and booze for a career in the Pentecostal church. “When we grew up, our Dad was a preacher,” explains Jared. “He was an evangelist and he’d travel all over America doing revivals and stuff. So that’s how we grew up: in the car going to all kinds of different churches. Back then it was awesome and I can totally see why people are interested in it now, because now that we’re not doing it, it seems pretty weird.”

It was while visiting these churches that the Followills got their first taste of performing. “Everybody played music and sang songs. It was real close, like a family. So you just got up there and had fun,” says Jared. This ethic has informed their approach ever since, as his brother Nathan (drums) explains: “The kind of churches we played in, it wasn’t about how good you could play your instrument, it was about how much you enjoyed playing your instrument.”

So how does being family affect the band dynamic? “It makes it easier,” says Nathan straight away. “If you play a bad part then your brother can reach over and punch you in the face. And you can be pissed off but you’ll get over it because he’s your brother. If a band member that wasn’t related to you punched you, you’d probably break up the band.” Jared agrees: “It’s a lot more honest. If you mess up then they’ll tell you, you gotta work on that. Nobody feels bad to say, ‘Man, you sucked tonight.’”

The Kings’ music is raw, honest and born out of passion. It’s unspoilt by any kind of pretence, which makes it a refreshing listen. “We’re not polished musicians, what you see is what you get,” says Nathan. “We’ve got good at messing up together, so it doesn’t sound like a mess up. That’s the key, right there. If you can mess up in time, then hey…” Matt Walton 23 May 03

The single Kings Of Leon - Red Morning Light, released 26 May 03 on BMG. Their album Youth And Young Manhood is released on 07 July 03.

useful link: www.kingsofleon.com