ROCK and roll's answer to The Walton's are growing up, and fast.

Kings Of Leon, that band of brothers (and a cousin) from the Deep South, have traded in their dungarees for drainpipes, donned some wraparound shades and blacked out the windows of their pick-up.

Their debut, Youth And Young Manhood, was one of the great records of 2003, with its punk-fuelled approach to rock, country and blues. Aha Shake Heartbreak lost the element of surprise, but took their Seventies stoner rock and fuzzy blues to a new level.

Now the Followills have cranked it up once again - right up to 11 - opening up, relaxing the rules and revelling in a new sense of musical freedom.

"I think people tend to expect a certain sound from us," said drummer Nathan Followill. "But on this record we tried to throw them a loop." And what a loop it is, as any Creedence Clearwater influences are kicked firmly into touch in favour of The Pixies.

There's still the raunchy guitars, the brawny drums and singer Caleb Followills' growled vocals (surely, the most distinctive voice in rock?) But this album is all about growing up and moving on, as the boys step out from their Southern-rock comfort zone.

"I don't care what nobody says, we're gonna have a baby," whispers Caleb on the album's downbeat opener, Knocked Up, before screeching Frank Black-like on the unsettling Charmer.

The maturing in the band's approach can be heard on the slick, epic-sounding McFearless, the reggae-infused Ragoo and the rambling English blues of Black Thumbnail.

The Kings are the kings, indeed. Long may they reign over us.