June 11, 2008 20:10

Kings Of Leon get political on new album

'Sean Penn is gonna like us more' says Caleb Followill

Photo Gallery: Kings Of Leon
Photo: Pa Photos

Kings Of Leon have nearly finished recording the follow-up to 2007's 'Because Of The Times'. The band have been laying down tracks in a Nashville studio for the new album, slated for a September release.

Frontman Caleb Followill quipped that the pills he's been taking following surgery to repair his arm from a fistfight with his brother Nathan may have played a role in the new album.

“I don’t know if it was the pills or what, but the melodies were so much stronger than anything I’ve ever done — it’s just really beautiful songs,” he said.

“I know I sound like a fucking cock right now, but this is the first time I’ve really been proud of myself, track for track," he told Rolling Stone.

The band have also reportedly been hitting the bottle for a bit of inspiration. “We had to get drunk because we all have girlfriends to go home to and deal with,” Caleb said.

Song titles includes 'Cold Desert' and 'Crawl', a track with political overtones. “Let’s just say that Sean Penn is gonna like us more,” he said.

Kings Of Leon will take a break from the studio to play a handful of live dates opening for Pearl Jam, beginning tonight (June 11) in West Palm Beach, Florida.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
[url="/about"] Find out more about NME.[/url]