Just for a change, I’m gonna review the live version of Kings Of Leon’s storming new single, Fans. And I’ll be putting on my novice hat again, because somehow I’ve been blissfully unaware of Kings Of Leon until lately…

Well, until this track, to be honest. But what a track! Fans has all the hallmarks of a classic.

The live version I’m talking about is a performance by the band at the Hammersmith Apollo in April of this year. They kick the song off with a beautiful sustained bit of feedback playing over the intro. As the verse comes in, a persistent, thumping bass plays and Caleb Followills enters the fray with an ecclectic almost scatty vocal performance that’s a joy to listen to.

So, you’ve got this excellent, groovy backing and an airtight, engaging vocal performance from the lead singer. I can’t pretend I’ve spent much time deciphering the lyrics to Fans, but the tune. I just enjoy it… The live version I’m linking to here sounds much meatier than the radio version, but the band is just so tight on this track live. I also noticed a similar Kings Of Leon newbie give an opinion over on this great new blog (new to me!)

Fans is from the new Kings Of Leon album, Because Of The Times.