Cold War Kids Bring the Gift of Grit to Alt 98.7’s ‘Altimate December 2 Remember’ Holiday Series

Joseph Baura

Since the debut album, “Robbers & Cowards,” The Cold War Kids have had a sense of gravity that indie rock fans could not resist. With a blend of rock, blues and soul, the Kids’ signature sound features grit that kicks up from the wheels of their bass heavy chords. It’s been a few years since the release of their most recent album, “Hold My Home,” but the single “First” is still in heavy rotation on alternative radio stations and has received gold honors. The Cold War Kids brought their talents to Alt 98.7’s Holiday Series “December 2 Remember” in a memorable show at the El Rey.

As usual, El Rey – a favorite venue of bands and fans alike – offered the Kids’ the opportunity to present the sound to a tightly packed audience in an intimate setting. Draped behind the stage was the image of a skeleton sitting with a child inside of a vehicle  – very macabre image to say the least. But that was the only thing that was dead about this performance. The Kids took to the stage with an electric energy that set off the crowd as soon as they played the first notes to “Don’t Let Your Love Grow Away From Me.” The theater was packed with the hardcore fans of the Cold War Kids, and many were singing along to the lyrics as they moved along and to the beat. The biggest moments of fan participation came when the band performed the hit single, “Hang Me Up To Dry;” you could hear people in the audience screaming along with the chorus until their voices went hoarse.

Throughout the show, the Kids’ touched on fan favorites such “All This Could Be Yours” and “Miracle Mile” – the theater’s location! The band’s frontman, Nathan Willett, didn’t hold back at all throughout the entire performance, singing his lungs out to hits such as “Something Is Not Right With Me.” By the end of the performance, the band was dripping with sweat; they hadn’t taken a breather through the whole set.

The Cold War Kids played El Rey Theatre on Dec. 7 as part of Alt 98.7’s “Altimate December 2 Remember” holiday concert series.