Kings of Leon @ 9:30
To cut through all the verbal foreplay and just get right to it, last night, Kings of Leon put on the best concert I've seen all year. Maybe even longer. Not since The Strokes at DAR have I seen a band so well-rehearsed and completely together. And the boys from Tennessee blew Mr. Casablancas and company out of the water.
The set heavily favored older material, mainly bringing in songs from their most recent, Because of the Times, at the very end and encore. Whether they were playing their big rockers or their slower, more soulful numbers, Kings of Leon were absolutely perfect on every track, bounding with energy, hitting every beat and note, and completely owning the crowd.
The most impressive part of the show was the strength of Caleb Followill's voice. It's not a classic one by any stretch, but he didn't waver on the long high bars or crackle on the gravely lyrics once. The other members held their own, too. Even while smacking on gum and blowing bubbles, Nathan Followill kept the booming pace behind the drum kit. The bass and guitar offerings from the other Followills, Jared and Matthew, were on point too. It was a complete sound from a band that didn't screw around, didn't take tiresome tuning breaks, and didn't bother with heavy banter. They played their songs and played them perfectly. Kings of Leon are, to put it simply, pros. Much to the crowd's delight.
Photos by Kyle Gustafson
People often wonder what it would take to get a D.C. crowd to show some enthusiasm, and apparently the answer is a flawless set from a tremendously talented band. Jumping, dancing, hand clapping, head banging, singing along — there was hardly a still moment in the 9:30 Club last night.
It was a visually appealing affair, too: grumblings from the crowd seemed to indicate that most people don't like Caleb's new haircut, but aside from that, the guys were the picture of cool. The music was matched with an electrifying, and sometimes blinding, light show that was pretty unique (fewer lasers, more flashing bulbs), and worked hand in hand with the band to energize the crowd.
The full bill is repeating their performance tonight. Like last night, the show is sold out, but it would be well worth your while to see if Craig might be able to help you out.