The new record debuted at #4 on the Billboard charts, marking a personal best of the band. The Kings have always been critical darlings through their first three records, but it now seems that the public is catching up to one of the better up and coming groups in the past half decade or so. On Only By The Night, it seems to be a major progression in the band’s music, but also throwing in a few tricks not seen by the band before. Leadoff single “Sex On Fire” may retain the band’s signature southern meets indie rock, but seems to deliver more of an accessible sound that some of the band’s material in the past. Other cuts seems to move off in a Elvis Costello meets Bruce Springsteen vibe, such as “Be Somebody” and “I Want You.” Sure, lead singer Caleb Followill is gonna get the requisite Chris Robinson/Black Crowes comparisons, but Kings shys away from the straight ahead blues route the Crowes have been doing lately.

Kings of Leon have been out touring behind the success of Night with a tour that started early in October. The tour hits Detroit this Saturday, November 8^th when it heads to the Fillmore Detroit, with openers We Are Scientists and The Whigs. The tour wraps in their hometown of Nashville on November 19^th. Given the upswing of trajectory in the band’s career, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing plenty of them in 2009 as well.

Kings of Leon play at the Fillmore Detroit on Saturday, November 8^th. Tickets are $30.50 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. Additional dates can be found at www.kingsofleon.com.