In the center of Tennessee, the Followill family generates new warmth and space through sound with ‘EP #2,’ a vibrant, dynamic four-track daydream – marking Kings of Leon’s first independent release on their own label, Love Tap Records.
Stream: ‘EP #2’ – Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon have made their return, looking up at palm trees and finding solace in the sunlight.
Vibrant, colorful bursts of electric guitar and Caleb Followill’s compelling vocal delivery overlay images of beaches and mountains, flowers and wolves in the band’s tender new EP #2, which was unexpectedly released in November via their independent label, Love Tap Records.
Since their inception, Kings of Leon have been a unique and powerful presence, with a narrative that extends far beyond the Top Ten. Their 2003 album, Youth and Young Manhood, established the groundwork for their distinctive rock sound, characterized by electric garage rock riffs, intensely energetic beats, and the relentless spirit of brothers Nathan, Jared, and Caleb Followill along with their cousin, Matthew Followill. They achieved breakout success with 2009’s fourth studio album Only by the Night, a worldwide hit that solidified Kings of Leon as a household name globally, featuring notable tracks like “Use Somebody,” “Sex on Fire,” and “Notion.” Their journey has brought immense acclaim, including global arena tours and millions of album sales.
EP #2 – Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon’s ninth and latest album, Can We Please Have Fun, set to release in 2024, delves into conversations meant to embrace the ambiance of slow mornings and relaxed afternoons. Opening with “Ballerina Radio,” the track incorporates textures reminiscent of a film photograph, enhanced with distortion and atmospheric effects that flow into “Nowhere to Run.” Every note from the six guitar strings masterfully shapes their story, claiming the airwaves.
Each successive track encourages listener engagement through extended slurs in the guitar notation, generating remarkable visual and sonic effects that distinguish the work. Can We Please Have Fun embraces emotional themes that resonate with media, while also integrating modern innovations reflecting the dualities of pain and experience in tracks like “Split Screens” and “M Television.”
I see all the airplanes
Flying above me
I imagine they’re heading
Someplace quite lovely
I dream of beaches
And drinks with umbrellas
And girls in bikinis
With sun-tanned gorillas, oh
No surprises, no retreats
Here come marching to the beat
Little sheep
One, two, three, nah
Kings of Leon © Taylor Rivers
Bringing forth a fresh sonic warmth, the songs in EP #2 traverse a bright, sun-lit atmosphere through palm trees, exploring the essence of freedom.
Each radiant tune is dynamic and alive, capturing the adventurous spirit of embracing life's journey. In contrast to the tracks on Can We Please Have Fun, the four tracks of EP #2 investigate themes of space and time with a gritty distortion and smooth flow. The sun-drenched reverb emphasizes this choice, alongside their signature hollow-body electric guitar tones, creating yet another captivating soundscape that comforts both mind and heart.
EP #2 commences with “All the Little Sheep,” showcasing an addictive groove, lively rhythm, and swinging vocals that inspire dreams of beaches. Bathing in sunlight, “To Space” introduces refreshing tambourines, shimmering in the daily gap between expectations and the humility of reality. Embracing a slower tempo, “Pit To The Rind” features mellow guitar riffs that invite listeners to reflect on solitude and patience while delivering “gracious” and “kind” vocals. All these components calm the body with a soothing presence and gentle, empathetic quality. The glass slide maintains the sound waves for a melodic intention. The EP’s concluding track brings listeners back to the wild with an instinct akin to “The Wolf.” Jared Followill’s mesmerizing drum rhythm awakens the creature’s instincts; every detail invites “devils in the details” for personal reflection, set against an enticing, upbeat groove.
It always comes back around
Never-ending story
The devil’s in the details
Of your faded glory
I called it a day
Had to have you over
Because something needed shifting
And someone needed holding
Break in case of emergency
Better that it’s someone
close to you and me
Who can rescue us from ourselves
Animals are all we’ll ever be
Kings of Leon © Lachlan Duthie
Kings of Leon’s EP #2 pulses with an energetic strut, delivering a bold taste of freedom from convention and introspection.
The band's latest work articulates the story of dreaming about what lies beyond reality. The landscapes depicted in EP #2 reflect the relationship changes and challenges people face daily. The sounds alleviate the frustrations of everyday life as the music creates a genuine, instinctive bond through natural presence. This new release marks a groove into
Situated in the heart of Tennessee, the Followill family crafts fresh warmth and expansiveness through sound with ‘EP #2,’ a vibrant, dynamic four-track dream – marking Kings of Leon's inaugural independent release under their own label, Love Tap Records.