The Kings of Leon are a rock band oozing talent and their headlining slot on the NME stage at the V Festival on Saturday was a chance to showcase it.

The band started with note perfect performances of two of their biggest hits, 'Molly's Chambers' and 'Red Morning Light.'

The Kings demonstrated how rock music can be uncomplicated yet original with lead singer Caleb Followill's southern American drawl giving the band a retro feel.

For all their musical skill, however, the three brothers and first cousin from Tennessee are not showmen and although their skill in performing their hits is beyond question they failed to set the crowd alight.

This is no doubt simply their performance style but as a headlining act they should perform for the average festival-goer as well as the die hard fan.

Towards the end of the hour-long set a stirring performance of 'California Waiting' got the audience bouncing.

Before this the band said they would be playing three more songs and sure enough, virtually without another word, the expectant crowd got three near perfect tunes.

By Chris Runeckles

Published Saturday August 21, 2004