“A cross between the Who and Lynnard Skynnard.” “Southern garage rock saviours.” I’ve seen these tags bantered about in reviews. And coupled with their photos it all makes sense. Then you hear the music. “California Waiting” is Strokes-ish soft pop. (I can’t believe i just had to use the Strokes in adjective form.) And the melody on “Molly’s Chambers” doesn’t lend well to Caleb Followil’s voice. But the title track does start to make sense of the “new souther rock” tag…err, kind of. “Wicker Chair” is actually a pleasant surprise hinting at southern rock and taking cues from the lilts and turns of the vocals of Ryan Adams. Which is no surprise with the Kings of Leon’s affiliation with producer Ethan Johns who produced Adams’ “Heartbreaker” and “Gold,” and the new Tift Merrit album. But “Wicker Chair” fails to evoke the authenticity of the balladry on Adams’ “Heartbreaker” and the greats that Adams’ emulates such as Townes Van Zant, Steve Earle, and Gram Parsons. So, when it comes down to it, it is another case of image and hype over substance, leaving us with an EP that lacks a boozey, world weary knowing that is esential for great rock. But i guess that is hard for teenagers to pull off. So if you want mislabled, poppy “souther rock” pick up this album. The rest of us are still gonna have to break out the Skynnard and the Stones records.
Rating: 2 / 5

This EP is alright by me, sort of like The Allman Brothers Band or Lynard Skynard. Its a good listen especially the 2nd and 5th songs. Kings of Leon are a part of the “second-generation new (old) rock revolution,” The first being The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Hives and to a lesser extent The Vines. The second wave includes the Kings of Leon, the Raveonettes, and the Black Keys. These bands were already together and the Stroke’s sucess basically got them their record deals. Soon you’ll see the dreaded 3rd generation of bands who started up when they heard the Strokes (shudder,) but for now enjoy this southern-rock gem.
Rating: 4 / 5