Robbers & Cowards

by Cold War Kids

Overview

Having shaped their sound and imagery with three EPs for Monarchy Music and a demanding touring schedule, it's no surprise that Cold War Kids have more presence on their first full-length, Robbers & Cowards, than many bands do on their debut albums. Their evocative, oddly soulful vignettes contain shades of Spoon's sardonic, piano-driven rock; the insistent, jittery feel of One Time Bells-era French Kicks; the poetic, rumpled ramblings of the Walkmen; the stripped-down bluesiness of the White Stripes; and in their more theatrical moments, a ghostly trace of Jeff Buckley, as well as touches of folk and gospel. That's not to say that Cold War Kids are derivative -- it's more like they take inspiration in classic sounds (indie or otherwise) and tweak them to their own designs. And even if there's more comforting, built-in familiarity with a touch of freshness in their music than radical originality, there's something to be said for familiarity, especially when it's done this well. For fans of the band's EPs, Robbers & Cowards will sound familiar for another reason: it takes most of its songs from Up in Rags and With Our Wallets Full, giving them a slightly fuller, cleaner sound. Fortunately, this only enhances the band's most distinctive assets: Nathan Willett's high-pitched, nasal, vibrato-heavy voice, a love it or hate it instrument that gives Cold War Kids a huge part of their character, and their way with storytelling and lyrics with a bookish eye and ear for detail. "We Used to Vacation," a dry-eyed account of alcoholism's effect on a family, and "Passing the Hat," a tale of stealing from the collection plate at church that sounds like it could be from an indie rock musical about the Great Depression, combine both to great effect, but it's the genuine warmth in "Hospital Beds" that makes it the finest moment on an exciting, accomplished debut album. ~ Heather Phares

Product Details

Release Date:	03/03/2014
Label:	Downtown
UPC:	0878037000917
Rank:	24477

Tracks

1. We Used to Vacation
2. Hang Me up to Dry
3. Tell Me in the Morning
4. Hair Down
5. Passing the Hat
6. Saint John
7. Robbers
8. Hospital Beds
9. Pregnant
10. Red Wine, Success!
11. God, Make Up Your Mind
12. Rubidoux

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Cold War Kids   Primary Artist
Matt Maust   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Jonathan Bo Russell   Piano,Guitar,Vocals
Nathan Willett   Piano,Guitar,Vocals
Matt Aveiro   Drums,Percussion

Technical Credits

Kevin Augunas   Audio Production,Engineer,Producer
Ted Jensen   Mastering
Nathan Willett   Composer
Brett Williams   Management
Cold War Kids   Composer
Dave Sardy   Mixing
Matt Wignall   Photography
Matt Maust   Artwork,Composer
Matt Aveiro   Composer
Nick Bogardus   Management
Jonathan Russell   Composer