Cold War Kids warms up listeners

By Katie Barger
Theme Editor

Taking the time to compile a confident third album is normal for a band in the Cold War Kids’ position, but the circumstance rarely results in such a pronounced shift in tone and mood such as happened with their third album.

Mine Is Yours, released Jan. 25, features a new producer outside of the band, and the influence is greatly recognizable. Jacquire King, the man behind the Kings of Leon, adds smoothness to the edges that have thus far been jagged and raw—a sound designed by the band itself. On this album, the band cleans up its raw, garage sound.

For instance, the track “Royal Blue” kicks off the album with smooth and sultry guitar notes and gently fades into a more funk-laced guitar riff as lead vocalist Nathan Willett sings a few seductive verses. Keeping its gritty feel, the song erupts into loose guitar solos, and then settles into a slower rhythm before diving into a driving beat.

“Louder than Ever” carries the upbeat tone to the more familiar Cold War Kids territory of rhythmic flourishes giving flight to breathless melodic brightness that leaves the listener wanting to sing along to the catchy chorus.

Although “Mine Is Yours” is an exceptional album combining two different unique sounds, many die-hard Cold War Kids fans may be uncertain of how much influence King’s involvement has really made on the tracks that were recorded and decided upon.

The track “Finally Begin” may have fans questioning whether or not the song would have come into play on the band’s own terms. Fans stuck on the band’s characteristic experimental garage sound may find it quite difficult to warm to the band’s new adopted style.

However, this band has yet to become another formula rock band knocking out catchy melodies to attract the common listener. The Cold War Kids’ “Mine is Yours” produces a wave of passion and soul that still  allow the listener to get lost in the music.