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Kings of Leon review – mesmeric power from masters of the restrained anthem

The newly invigorated band have a rare gift for stadium-sized rock that is refreshingly understated, delivering a 27-song set of triumphs

Formed in 1999 by travelling preacher’s sons Caleb, Jared and Nathan Followill and their cousin Matthew, Kings of Leon delivered two benchmark albums of Dust Bowl garage rock Americana before losing their way among the compromises and sibling rivalries brought by huge success. The visuals are beautifully but tastefully presented while Caleb’s chatter and stage moves – a fraction of an Elvis hip shake here, a marginal shimmy of the boot there – are so wonderfully minimal they’re almost hilarious. With guitarist Matthew at his unshowy best and manically grinning drummer Nathan’s snare work and backing vocals bringing much more than they let on, there’s a hint of the National in the way songs are delivered with such mesmerically controlled power.

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