Music Review: Cold War Kids

If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to blast out rolled-down windows driving down the highway this summer, it’s very likely it’ll be Cold War Kids’ fourth full-length album, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts.

Listen to the first song on Dear Miss Lonelyhearts and pre-album release single, “Miracle Mile” and you’ll hear that uncharacteristically upbeat vibe. Lead singer Nathan Willet belts out formidable vocals with all the emotive, top-of-your-lungs punch a summertime ballad should have. Drummer Matt Aveiro gives the song backbone, from the foot-stomping opening to complex rhythms that keep pace with Willet’s lung-bursting chorus. The song highlights his unique, memorable voice, occasionally dropping off the other components of the band entirely and letting him cry out the powerful, repeated phrase “come up for air” with an unforgettable gusto.

The mood slows for the rest of the album, returning a little closer to Cold War Kids’ trademark sound. The band’s new lead guitarist, Dann Gallucci, formerly of Modest Mouse, proves to be a great addition with some incredible riffs in “Lost that Easy” and “Jailbirds.” Matt Maust rocks his steady, deep bass guitar in “Tuxedoes,” and maintains a strong presence throughout the album, teaming up with Gallucci to produce mellow and catchy hooks.

As the album progresses, the tone alternates between lyrical, moving highs and pensive lows, but never loses its emotional appeal. The band has developed a cohesive, mature sound that shows how much Cold War Kids has progressed over almost a decade of playing together. Dear Miss Lonelyhearts finishes off with “Dear Miss Lonelyhearts” and “Bitter Poem,” both of which are melancholy and intensely thoughtful, exemplifying the sincere turn the band’s songwriting has taken. “But I’m out of advice, umbrellas wash away in the rain/ I can’t wait to see what you become when you became,” Willet croons on “Bitter Poem,” a satisfyingly poignant ending showcasing Cold War Kids’ expressive power and depth.

Mine is Yours, the band’s previous album, drew criticism for its poppy, mainstream style. In contrast, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts successfully retreats from the overproduced melodies and returns to the garage band grittiness that gives Cold War Kids their unconventional indie rock sound. The new album is vibrant yet soulful, featuring some beautiful and powerfully personal lyrics. On “Bottled Affection,” Willet hauntingly wails: “I’m not the same kid, I grew up/ Didn’t I? Or did I get stuck? You get older, it gets worse/ You be the good one that gives up first/ Or the bad one that never gets hurt.” Cold War Kids has emerged reinvigorated following the change in lead guitarist and vastly improved lyrics.

Cold War Kids played a dynamic show at Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill on April 15, and will continue touring the U.S. and Europe over the next several months. Whether you’re a seasoned indie rock enthusiast or just looking for something new to bop your head to, definitely give Dear Miss Lonelyhearts a listen—and enjoy having “Miracle Mile” stuck in your head for days.