Reaffirmation

Among the rewards of keeping abreast of the music scene is finding a band, who had once been a favorite, come back roaring with a CD that reaffirms the favored status you gave the band. This is the case with Kings of Leon. Then, there’s discovering that one of the new bands getting glowing notices, lives up to the promise — this is how I felt after listening to Manchester band, The 1975.

Kings of Leon — Mechanical Bull (RCA/Sony Records). Most rock fans of the past decade will have their favorite Kings of Leon song. While its last two CDs would always have one or two choice tracks, I began to wonder if the band was groping its way into its future, with its best days behind them. Well, Mechanical Bull is a wake-up call, one of its most consistent of CDs, filled with great tracks. Supersoaker is the rocker of a single that heralds a fully restored, muscular Kings of Leon. Listen to Temple and Wait For Me, two tracks that showcase just how renewed the band is. I loved the use of a full orchestra on Comeback Story, and Family Tree is another early favorite. It’s rock with an edge, a dose of syncopation, and it’s Kings of Leon back with a bang.

The 1975 — The 1975 (Polydor/Universal Music). Along with Bastille, The 1975 is another new British band that fully deserves a listen, and all the plaudits it has been getting. There are echoes of The Script but with more funk. At times, the catchy pop melodies are reminiscent of Maroon 5, but with a heavy Manchester accent and a lot more street cred. M.O.N.E.Y. and Chocolate are the more accessible tracks to first listen to; but the CD has so many instant favorites. I loved Heart Out (with its a cappella passage) and Settle Down; while Girls and Menswear are quickly gaining repeated play. What’s amusing to note is that the photo of the boys would lead us to believe that 1975 is some punk band, but it is firmly pop, with a healthy dose of funk. Great new discovery.