Cold War Kids: Drive It Home

Cold War Kids
The Showbox, Seattle, WA
02.20.15

Though their decade-long career has seen lineup changes, mixed reviews, and sonically variable offerings, there’s no doubt that Cold War Kids can still put on one hell of a live show. Though the lineup may have changed, if felt like the group had been playing together forever. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, like they’re jamming in someone’s basement as they head-butt, bump around each other and roam willfully about. Front man Nathan Willett’s bluesy voice and multi-instrumentalism is the anchor for the show – he jumps from tambourine to guitar to piano with ease – while the rest of the band seems to orbit around each other like some kind of manic brotherhood.

The Kids sounded strong with a set list covering the depth of their catalog, which, with five studio albums and several EPs in the last nine years, is deep. For a band I thought I was growing old with, the all-ages crowd has picked up on these guys and adopted them as their own, clapping and singing along to the undeniable radio hit of “Hang Me Up to Dry,” from 2006’s Robbers & Cowards. From there, Willet gave us a solo, piano version of “Bottled Affection,” and the band landed a few solid, slower tracks before launching into the dynamic “Drive Desperate.”

With a fair acknowledgement that their latest 2014 release Hold My Home sees the Cold War Kids aiming at a slicker, more pop-oriented sound, it’s hard to fault the band for it. Their career has seen stellar singles, but a lack of major commercial success. The sold-out crowd at this show seemed more than happy with the night’s performance; proof enough that as long as the band can retain their blend of blues-tinged indie-pop with a side of edgy energy, they’re not leaving anytime soon.

The night’s opener was New York-based Elliot Moss, who brought his alt-electronic slow jams to share with the crowd.

Catch Cold War Kids near you, click here for dates.

Cold War Kids Set List
All This Could Be Yours
Miracle Mile
Loner Phase
We Used to Vacation
Santa Ana Winds
First
Louder Than Ever
Hot Coals
Hang Me Up to Dry
Bottled Affection
Harold Bloom
Tuxedos
Drive Desperate
Every Man I Fall For
Minimum Day
Hospital Beds
Encore
Well Well Well (John Lennon Cover)
Audience
Something Is Not Right With Me