CD reviews: Kings of Leon

Those in shock that America’s first family have dropped their five-syllable album title conceit need not fear.

WALLS is a triumphant return to the melody-driven rock which saw the Followills rule stadiums and airwaves in the latter half of last decade.

Thanks to Markus David’s (Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Mumford and Sons) knob-twiddling, their seventh effort is swaddled in gleaming guitar, sunny choruses and slick ’80s pop sensibilities. Lead single Waste a Moment is an immaculately sculpted drivetime hit; the chorus of Find Me sun-drenched and horizon-wide.

Though a well-worn template, WALLS nonetheless suggests a band still capable of holding court.

• Kings of Leon. WALLS. RCA.

• Three stars (out of five)

Single download: Waste a Moment
For those who like: Back-to-basics summer anthems

— John Hayden