I think it was back in 2005, or possibly 2006, that I first saw the Volkswagen Jetta commercial featuring the song ‘Molly’s Chambers’ by the Kings of Leon. Up to that point, I don’t think I had heard of them. Yet the song struck a chord in me (pardon the pun). It was just one of those songs that gets your foot tapping along with it. And the video was entertaining. The only problem was that, at the time, I didn’t know the name of the song nor the band. However, I liked it enough to search for it on the internet; and it wasn’t long before I had found what I was looking for.

Once I purchased the album ‘Youth and Young Manhood’ I was hooked on the band. It wasn’t that the sound was new and uncharted waters for the alternative rock genre, it was the simple honesty that stood out for me. It seemed that I was looking into someone’s life while it was lived. I, of course, needed more. I purchased more of their music and was drawn in further. The voice of angst within relationships, whether romantic or familial, seemed so real. I felt that I could relate to the messages I was hearing. The music behind the lyrics only added to feel of struggle and strife.

The history of the band is interesting, yet I won’t bother you with it here. I will just add that I found it most thought-provoking that their religious background isn’t more prevalent in their music. There are hints to it, yet it is not a major theme. The band seems to make music encompassing what is happening within their day to day existence. Common with most music, but with a different feel of energy to it. Still, here it is mid-2019 an I am finding that I continue to enjoy what they are doing. Although there isn’t much stray from style, the depth of life is ever predominant.

The band has received many nominations for Brit and Grammy awards, and have won more than a few of those awards as well. From the best international breakthrough band, best album, and best song; there are many accolades you can pin to their proverbial chest. I am sure that there will be more to come (I am hopeful, to say the least). And, I am eagerly awaiting a new album. The band seems to be quiet for the moment. Perhaps they are just taking a break; the last fifteen years have been busy for them as well as good to them professionally. But they leave me wanting more.

I do think it amusing that something as blasé as a commercial could catch my attention as it did. What might have been intended to bring the viewers’ eye to a vehicle; instead was forefronted by a song. I still go back to that song. It still brings me back to the memory of the video. It was a great choice by Volkswagen. I wonder if the band had a clue to what it would do for them. Either way, I’m glad I didn’t use the commercial time to get a snack. I can’t even tell you what I was watching on television at the time. Yet I still remember everything about the commercial.