20 January 2011
Cold War Kids have marked themselves as a band with many faces with their third offering, Mine Is Yours. The obvious change in sound from debut Robbers & Cowards to follow-up record, Loyalty to Loyaltywas largely put down to new styles and interests; and also marked their entry into the stage every American indie-rock group goes through when they become annoyingly political.
Mine Is Yours however, again proves their style ephemeral with a throw-back to the modern rock and introspective lyrics that caught our attention in 2006. Vocalist Nathan Willett stays front and centre for all eleven tracks, his deep voice transcends over thundering guitars and rolling drums in tracks Louder Than Ever and Out Of The Wilderness. Willett sings about the pathetic side of adoration, a friend’s betrayal and the cock-and-bull that is permanence. However, what should compliment the bluesy guitar progressions and shallow tapping percussion seems to actually rail against it. This juxtaposition would have been brilliant if it was on purpose, but the credibility’s not there.
The titular opening track introduces the quartet’s chosen style for the record. Epic feel-good instrumentals and Willett’s catchy, dare I say it, Tracy Chapman-like vocals turn the blues into accessible pop. Possibly the only time when comparing the voices of opposite sexes should be taken as an accolade.
Bulldozer, the longest track on the album at just over five-minutes, has several edge-of-your-seat interludes that keep you guessing right up until the drop. Sensitive Kid begins with heavy synths and drums not unlike Nine Inch Nails’, Closer. Interestingly, the track then mutates into smoky backing vocals and keys from Jonnie Russell that morph it into the most 'indie'-sounding song on the record.
Cold War Kids have evolved into an act that can still incorporate angst and honesty without losing to the illusory love story ideal, often heeded by youths.
Mine Is Yours is out January 28 through Co-Op/Shock Records.
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