@kansas400 ....I was in your boat not long ago. I had the Kefs. Couldn’t resist the temptation to hear what all the buzz was about. They were ok, but as Johnny R stated, there was that bass bump creeping into the midrange.
I ended up selling them for little loss, thank goodness. Guess what I ended up buying? Vandersteen VLR! Couldn’t be happier. Even Steven...no bass bump, very balanced, transparent and good tight bass that doesn’t encroach on the all too important midrange. If by laid back, you mean musical/unfatiguing, that they are. They draw you in instead of shouting at you. Definitely worth a try imo. MD has a great return policy/audition period.
Listen to Senor Rutan, many times I wish I had. Now, time for a Belles Aria to mate with them. Best to you!