Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The brothers who comprise Kings Of Leon just crossed the two decade mark of revitalizing several shades of rock and roll, yet guitarist/singer Caleb, fellow guitarist Matthew, bassist Jared and drummer Nathan Followill remain on the cutting edge of their craft.

Their ninth official project, “Can We Please Have Fun,” taps into the group’s garage and indie origins, while tackling an assertive streak of alternative anthems that certainly live up to the title.

Alongside prior sales of more than 20 million albums and nearly 40 million singles, all of which continue to be streamed indefinitely, Kings Of Leon easily sold out Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island.

Though a larger arena or amphitheatre would’ve likely worked as well, it was truly a treat to catch the core foursome and a couple touring musicians in front of the fully lit Chicago skyline.

It turns out Kings Of Leon had quite a lot to add to the view as well thanks to artful, lyrically-inspired projections enhancing many selections, starting with the new and noteworthy “Ballerina Radio.”

A half-dozen from the current collection followed throughout two generously-stocked hours, but so did at least a little something from every other period, including “The Bucket,” “The Bandit” and a somewhat early inclusion of the smash “Sex On Fire.”

The aggression mounted for “Revelry,” “Beautiful War” and “Pyro,” plus the Tennessee players took everyone “Back Down South,” revved up the “Mustang” and didn’t “Waste A Moment” on the way to “Closer.”

“Rainbow Ball” and “Knocked Up” were electrifying extras, which lead up to the climax of the enormous “Use Somebody” when Kings Of Leon tapped into each of its key ingredients and further adapted the attitude of a reborn band.

Speaking of bonuses, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, better known collectively as Phantogram, opened with dreamy, electronic and psychedelic experiments such as “Fall In Love” and “When I’m Small,” plus previews off the upcoming “Memory Of Day” (out October 18), setting the trippy tone for the supercharged “Fun” to come.

For additional information on Kings Of Leon, visit KingsOfLeon.com.

Upcoming concerts at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals (Oct. 4) and John Summit & Friends (Oct. 10-12). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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