Still fresh to the music scene, Cold War Kids are taking large and daring steps with their newest album “Loyalty to Loyalty.” Cold War Kids came together four short years ago in Fullerton. Their latest album departs slightly from the rock-based sound they established with their debut album “Robbers and Cowards,” which was released in 2007. The soul that is present in vocalist Nathan Willett’s singing gives a tender and easy feel to the album.
The album features their newest single “Something Is Not Right With Me,” a short and fast-paced song that is one of the more catchy pieces on the album. “Avalanche in B” has an improv style to it with some vocals that at times give a nod to Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Willett claims Radiohead, especially their album “OK Computer,” as a huge influence for him. Many of their influences can be heard in parts of their songs. Guitar riffs played by both Willett and Jonnie Russell allude to The Velvet Underground type of garage-rock style. Lyrically, Thom Yorke and Bob Dylan play a big part in influencing the band. Willett said their lyrics are “bursts of concrete energy,” a phrase that most aptly describes the depth of the bands one-line lyrics.”Golden Gate Jumpers” departs slightly from this lyrical style, telling a very simple and short story about attempted suicide. The band takes some rather morbid lyrics and puts them to a tune that may not seem to fit. However, the song is one of the most beautiful on the album.”Every Man I Fall For” tells a clear story as well, examining the stereotypical marriage. It keeps the album riding at an easy pace, playing lightly and slowly. It took a while for me to appreciate this album. Cold War Kids were completely new to my ears but after listening to the album a few times, the skill and beauty of the arrangement was made evident.
There are some points where it seems a song could have been a little more developed before being chosen as a track for the album. As for the band’s second album, “Loyalty to Loyalty,” there is hope that Cold War Kids will bring some amazing albums in the future.