12 Kicks

To say it straight away: "Aha Shake Heartbreak" became the album that had been hoped for by the Kings Of Leon. The predecessor "Youth & Young Manhood" was indeed on the point to offer great songs, but was on long distance too drab and incoherent. The second album, however, is much more sophisticated, technically skilled and versatile. Quasi a sweeping attack against all those who left the debut are still left.
Melodies for the ears of course there are again enough: The first single, "The Bucket", the slightly ballad "Milk" and "King Of The Rodeo" provide enough food for the turntable in the brain. But this time, the Kings are focusing much more diverse on: When "Slow Night, So Long" surprised suddenly after the supposed end of the song a relaxed piano, "Milk" soars after sleepy start even at a great driving chorus and "soft" makes the Strokes smooth superfluous.
This album is loosely worth giving for those who like me did not like the first album, the Kings Of Leon still have a chance. And who already have liked "Youth & Young Manhood" which is to "Aha Shake Heartbreak" also have been thrilled. So wonderfully broken and the catchy rock'n'roll revival was long gone reared.
Highlights: King Of The Rodeo | Milk | The Bucket | Velvet Snow