Ears Wide Open: Cold War Kids

Kevin Bronson on
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Fans of the first two albums of wiry, bluesy music from Long Beach’s Cold War Kids might be reaching for their stereo controls when they hear the quartet’s third, “Mine Is Yours” (due Jan. 25). The foursome worked with big-time producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon, Norah Jones and Modest Mouse) on the album, which adds substantial meat to their music’s bones. As frontman Nathan Willett says: “It’s a more produced record with more textures, but it still sounds like
us. Overall, there’s just a broader sonic palette.” The first single, “Louder Than Ever,” seems indeed louder than the Kids have ever been, and every bit as urgent.

||| Download: “Louder Than Ever” (via RCRDLBL)

||| Live: Cold War Kids play Nov. 5 at the Glass House in Pomona and Nov. 6 at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown.