Because of the Times

Fans of straight-ahead, no-nonsense rock 'n roll from bands with talent to burn have had a rough go of it lately. Enter the Kings of Leon, who will bring their unique blend of indie and blues to the Electric Factory tonight. The show is way sold out, but you’re gonna wanna worm your way in, by hook or by crookaigslist.

The brothers (and cousin) Followill made a name for themselves with two critically acclaimed throwback albums, Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak as well as stints opening for bands like The Strokes, Pearl Jam, and U2. Tonight’s show will likely center on material from the band’s darker (yet more colorful) third release, Because of the Times. Among the album's stand-out tracks to keep an ear out for: "On Call," "McFearless," "Ragoo," and "Charmer."

Opening tonight’s show are, from Tennessee, The Features, who have drawn comparisons to bands like Blur and the Kaiser Chiefs, and, from Atlanta, Snowden. This Phillyist is particularly looking forward to the latter, whose debut album, Anti-Anti, sounds, according to Paste magazine, "like Interpol's dark momentum getting tripped up on the Arcade Fire's treacherous terrain—lacquered bolts of guitar judder over off-kilter percussion, and anomic vocals blear through the densely layered mix." Rock on.

Kings of Leon w/The Features and Snowden
The Electric Factory (421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia)
Thursday, 6/7/07, 8PM
Sold Out

Image Credit: Flickr user Stinco di Porco