Kings of Leon

This five-song debut EP by Nashville band Kings of Leon marks another welcome step toward the return of good, old-fashioned garage rock. It seems three brothers and a cousin in the Followill family got an education in the devil’s music from family patriarch Leon Followill, a Pentecostal minister who played them a few Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Bad Company records for inspiration. The result? “Wasted Time” sounds like Cream colliding with Los Angeles band X, with guitar like a barreling train. “California Waiting” has a dreamy SoCal beach sound with great harmony vocals. Best is the title track, rollicking stoner rock straight out of bar-band heaven. Kings of Leon are recording a full-length for release later this year. Hail, hail garage rock ’n’ roll!