Cold War Kids released their fourth album to low expectations following a rather lacklustre offering in the form of 2011’s ‘Mine Is Yours’. The Californian band were expected to take the music world by storm following their début release, however things waned as the years went on. With their latest release ‘Dear Miss Lonelyhearts’, Cold War Kids seem to have regained some form.
The core of each song is created by Nathan Willett’s unique, dramatic vocals which effectively make the band instantly recognisable. There is a real sense of purpose delivered through his vocals; it’s almost as though the band know they have fallen out of favour with elitist fans and are attempting to win them back.
Miracle Mile is certainly a strong opener for the album with pounding piano and purposeful lyrics; it generates an immediate excitement for what is to come from the album. Unfortunately things peter out slightly and it revisits the familiar sound of Cold War Kids.
The album maintains the familiar sound that we’ve heard from songs like Hospital Beds and Hang Me Out To Dry. It doesn’t stray from the sound with which they and their mainstay fans have become comfortable while bringing in some electronic elements as we hear with Loner Phase; a modern-rock track with a twist of electronica that will perk the ears of modern music fans. Another diversion from the norm in Bitter Poem sees a smooth R&B feel injected into their established brand of Soul-punk. Although these innovations exist, they are faint and do not over-power the general sound.
Jailbirds and the brass-heavy Water & Power herald the finer points of ‘Mine Is Yours’ with an anthemic vibe proving that Cold War Kids are experts at writing uplifting, hands-in-the-air songs, made for live performances.
The highlight of the album is hard to pin down due to the safe nature of it as a whole. However Fear & Trembling is certainly up there with the best. This ballad-style song emphasises Willett’s vocal strength and the impact his voice has on a more emotional song is poignant. Again, however, this song simply hints at what they have done before, leaving a vacancy for experimentation which might have wowed the listener a little more.
This is a good comeback from an uninspiring album. ‘Dear Miss Lonelyhearts’ pulls the band back on form and mildly impresses the listener. It can be a dreary listen at times due to their unwillingness to move away from the typical Cold War Kids sound. With hints of innovation every now and then, you can’t help but wonder what this album would have been if they had experimented a little.
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