Rating: Treat
File Under: Finally Catching My Attention
| # | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Audience" | 3:02 |
| 2. | "Coffee Spoon" | 3:54 |
| 3. | "Santa Ana Winds" | 2:31 |
| 4. | "Sermons" | 4:33 |
| 5. | "Baby Boy (CD Only)" | 0:37 |
When Cold War Kids debuted in 2006 with their self titled album, they were raved about and applauded for being original and talented. Naturally I skipped over them, because I insist on being contrary to everyone else's opinion. When I went back in 2008 to see if it was cool to like them yet, I found myself disappointed by the music they played. Now in 2010 they have finally caught my attention with a short 5-song Ep featuring previously unrecorded material. It was initially released in digital only copies on iTunes last December, and then a hard copy follow up in 2010. I even passed up the Ep when it was originally released.
This Ep comes out of the gate toting Maroon 5-esque vocal melodies that would even put Adam Levine to shame. The guitars are smooth and sharp, each chord punctuating the end of every line. The rhythm section is solid and creates beats you want to clap along to, never dominating the songs. Although, still not the most original sound ever, their soul infused song delivery is fresh to hear in a climate dominated by glam, pop and dance.
I give Cold War Kids credit for sticking to their style. The popular genres fluctuate and when an artist stays steadfast in their ways they run the risk of becoming irrelevant. This Ep spits in the face of "irrelevant" and continues making music that is honest and this time around, catchy.
While it isn't brilliant, while it isn't extremely original, and while it isn't super exciting, Behave Yourself is good and should be a short reminder to soul influenced rock bands, that this is how it is done.(I'm looking at you Jack White, Kings Of Leon, and Julian Casablancas). Now if they could just produce a full album that I enjoy...
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