Album Review: Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty

I am a newcomer to Cold War Kids. I first heard about them while doing research for my interview with Delta Spirit. It was indeed Cold War Kids that gave Delta Spirit their first tour spot. After listening to their new album Loyalty to Loyalty (thanks Chris) I was hooked.

Loyalty to Loyalty is Cold War Kids' 2nd full album release. They released several EPs in 2006 and 2007 following their debut Robbers and Cowards. The band formed in 2004 in Fullerton, California and consists of Nathan Willett (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, percussion), Matt Maust (bass guitar), and Matt Aveiro (drums).

This album begins with the powerful "Against Privacy." Nathan Willett's vocals are reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. The song has a blues feel to it with dirty guitar solos.

The Jeff Buckley comparison can only take me so far, but I had some of the same feelings while listening to this album that I did when I first heard Buckley's Grace. The vocals are full of raw energy. The lyrics are deep. And the music creates a bluesy yet energetic atmosphere. The combination of rock and blues elements creates an awesome sound that is very enjoyable.

I must admit, there isn't a lot of variation of sound on this album. As a result, it can become boring after the 5th or 6th track.

Favorite Songs: Against Privacy, Golden Gate Jumpers

On Tour:

09 24 08/ Henry Fonda / Los Angeles, CA
09 25 08/ Great American Music Hall / San Francisco, CA
09 26 08/ Great American Music Hall / San Francisco, CA
09 27 08/ Wonder Ballroom / Portland Oregon
09 28 08/ Richards On Richards / Vancouver, B.C., Canada
09 29 08/ The Showbox at the Market / Seattle, Washington
10 01 08/ The Neurolux / Boise, Idaho
10 02 08/ In The Venue / Salt Lake City, Utah
10 03 08/ Boulder Theatre / Boulder, Colorado
10 10 08/ Fine Line Music Cafe / Minneapolis, Minnesota
10 11 08 Vic Theare / Chicago, Illinois
10 14 08/ Paradise Rock Club / Boston, Massachusetts
10 15 08/ Webster Hall / New York, New York
10 16 08/ Williamsburg Music Hall / Brooklyn, New York
10 17 08/ Theatre of Living Arts / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10 18 08/ Nightclub 9:30 / Washington, D.C.
10 20 08/ Cat’s Cradle / Carrabo, North Carolina
10 21 08/ Mercy Lounge / Nashville, Tennessee
10 23 08/ Lola’s / Ft. Worth, Texas
10 24 08/ Emo’s Alt Lounge-Outside / Austin, Texas
10 25 08/ Warehouse Live / Houston, Texas
10 26 08/ Voodoo Music Experience / New Orleans, Louisiana