Kings Of Leon - Youth & Young Manhood

Youth & Young Manhood is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Kings Of Leon, originally released in July 2003 by RCA Records.

Sons of a preacher man and disciples of punk, the Kings Of Leon are Tennessee brothers (and a cousin) who rejected their religious roots in favour of sex, drugs and old-fashioned rock'n'roll. Clinging to their retro influences with a toddler's tenacity, their debut is a lust-propelled journey into emergent adulthood.

Using and abusing passionate gospel, country sweetness and filthy guitar licks, the Kings Of Leon are the kind of authentic, hairy rebels the Rolling Stones longed to be. 

Driving, fuzzy rhythms grind under Dylan-esque phrasing, with singer Caleb Followill's whiskey-woozy voice and good-time attitude never obscuring his obvious fears.

Launching things off is the swanky "Red Morning Light". Guitarist Matthew Followill immediately establishes himself as a skilled musician, complementing his cousin Caleb's coarse-grained drawl. 

The energy and enthusiasm never falter: “California Waiting” is utopian and desperate, while the hedonism of “Joe's Head” is almost claustrophobic. By the time the slightly shambolic singalong of “Dusty” sweeps over you, you'll be smitten.

Youth & Young Manhood may not be sonically adventurous, but some greasy licks sure sound good.

This reissued double LP with remastered audio, bonus track and reproduced artwork is pressed in Europe on 180 gram audiophile vinyl via Music On Vinyl.