EP #2

There are just four songs featured on the second-ever EP from Kings of Leon, aptly titled *EP #2*, but the family Followill still manages to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time. Thematically, “To Space” finds the alt-rock group flirting with the idea of taking a political stance, and “The Wolf” tiptoes even closer to the line, but with lyrics couched in trademark nebulosity, the listener’s invited to extract (or indeed, project) their own meaning. Sonically, however, the Grammy-winning four-piece is more comfortable making a statement: distorted chords muddy the jaunty rhythm of opening track “All the Little Sheep,” while “Pit to the Rind” makes sparing use of instrumentation, punctuating singer/guitarist Caleb Followill’s plaintive vocals with reverberating guitar. As the first step down a wholly new road for Kings of Leon—self-produced, independently released—*EP #2* serves as an intriguing glimpse ahead at their future direction.

Kings of Leon’s first EP, ‘Holy Roller Novocaine’, was the first official release from the Southern rock-garage band who dominated so much of the