California’s Cold War Kids have come a long way since 2004’s Robbers & Cowards with their late-2008 album Loyalty To Loyalty,tackling bigger matters (such as Ayn Rand’s theories on individualism) that make the sophomore album look more like a senior thesis. A track titled “Golden Gate Jumpers” that deals with suicide contemplation might sound like grounds to pigeonhole Cold War Kids with the slew of other artists trying to go deeper and darker the second time around. But don’t be fooled—cacophonies and melodies neatly entwined in bluesy riffs showcase a skillful balance of versatility and honed delivery.
Updated 03/13/2009