Cold War Kids: Back in the Saddle Again
Cold War Kids are a total enigma. They come out of nowhere and wowed the four of us with their debut LP Robbers and Cowards. Simply put, Robbers was one of the most badass and heartfelt albums we’ve heard, and it still is. Then they follow that effort up with the thoroughly disappointing Loyalty to Loyalty. There was just nothing exciting about Loyalty to me, and the same bunch of badass guys that were there in the first album turned into a bunch of pussies. We were pretty devastated to say the least. But Cold War Kids still exist, and I’m not giving up on them just yet (I use “I” because Chandler just uttered, “They’re dead to me.”) Most of the releases from Robbers made appearances on preceding EPs, and CWK appears to be returning to formula at least in some sense. They’re planning a four song EP entitled Behave Yourself due out in January. One of the tracks from that, “Audience of One,” is available a little bit early, and it reminds me a lot of that Robbers era. I’m not entirely sold on it just yet, but I’m getting the feeling I’m coming around. The main point of all this is that Cold War Kids could be primed for a comeback, where they emerge and take back the awesomeness they once had, and the idea of that gets my juices flowing. Take a listen and feel free to comment on whether or not you agree. I’m interested to see what people think.
Cold War Kids – Audience of One
-Donovan
Personally i think you’re being a bit harsh on Loyalty to Loyalty. It’s undoubtedly weaker than Robbers, but still has 2 diamonds in Welcome to the Occupation & Mexican Dogs. This new one has potential, and i think an EP before album will be a good way to judge what’s coming.
I loved the old CWK where they had shitty recordings but this new EP could be very good. Loyalty to Loyalty was a let down compared to The Mulberry Street EP, Up In Rags, and With Our Wallets Full which you failed to mention. I am very excited to see them in LA early next year when the EP drops.
Thank you for the post, great song, I’ve always been a fan of CWKs. Do you know when the EP comes out?
You nut jobs are off your rocker! Loyalty to Loyalty was an amazing album. You can’t compare it to Robbers and Cowards. Let the music stand on its own accord. “You” half-ass writers who think they know everything about something come on line to blog and 9 times out of 10 you have no clue what you are talking about. “You” are a bunch of na-sayers. The album was fantastic; songs like “Against Privacy”, “Mexican Dogs” and “Welcome to the Occupation” were unbelievable. Yes, you are correct, it had a different feel to it then did Robbers and Cowards, but that’s because they were a different group then. How can you expect them to continue to put out the same “style” album their entire musical career; that’s just absurd! Proliferate the difference of change.
For whatever reason, Loyalty to Loyalty just didn’t mix with any of us. It may well be that somewhere down the road we’ll take a listen and find out that was something we missed. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time. As for the proliferation of change, no one likes change more than us, I just didn’t like the direction of change. The last thing anyone wants is another rehash of Robbers. As for being nut jobs, well, I can’t argue with that.
“Audience Of One” is pretty good. It doesn’t really stand out from any of CWK’s other work, but that’s all right. The bridge is neat.
Very interesting commenting, guys. Frankly, I haven’t spent much time on CWK. Loyalty to Loyalty didn’t resonate w me either, but my interest is piqued after hearing this. Thanks for sharing!