Robbers & Cowards

Live, Cold War Kids create a chaotic groove that recalls the first Beta Band EP, Billie Holiday, Dylan and the Velvet Underground. Lyrically, they conjure up bizarre and fragile tales of robbery, complex relationships, political and religious allegories with sepia tinged imagery of fishing trips, the front page of the New York Times and Vietnam. These are expertly woven tales of everyday wretched people trying their damnedest to live well while teetering between despair, complacency and joy in characters that are both funny and serious at the same time, like J.D. Salinger or "Peanuts". The album however displays the true nature of the band's diverse song writing skills, sharp musicianship and inspirational story telling. 'Hang Me Up To Dry' is all fuzzed up guitar menace, swaggering along to an irresistible groove as chaotic piano and bicycle chain rhythms lurk low in the mix. Tracks such as 'Pregnant' and 'Robbers' showcase the band's ability to produce lush, harmony rich, melodic hooks. The latter, a tale of right and wrong as a robber battles with his or her own sense of morality, whilst hoarding "trinkets, purses and watches". And then there is 'Hospital Beds', a minor key piano introduction hails in the start of this giddy, euphoric rush of a song. A tale of redemption and tangled relationships, 'Hospital Beds' is a modern day hymn of 21st century blues. Other key moments include the exquisite bass heavy romanticism of 'Tell Me In The Morning' - awash in understated majesty like a world weary All Tomorrow's Parties, and the bass heavy, Patty Patty Sounds EP evoking groove of 'Saint John' complete this fine debut album.