New Age Norms 1. Cold War Kids

Like Foals Cold War Kids spreads its new songs over two separately released albums. The difference with Foals is that I did not find that band's first album interesting enough to write on (and haven't heard part 2 yet. And Cold War Kids intends to release three albums).

Cold War Kids is around for one and a half decade as a recording band. I remember my then colleague Maarten tipping me on the band, but it was clear its music was not for me. The music on New Age Norms 1 is though.

Despite the fact that at times I'm getting Scissor Sisters moments and I do not write this positively, Cold War Kids stays on my good side. The music may be disco influenced with the rhythms all in place It even includes a 12" like break, ending 'Waiting For Your Love'. Just like the head voice of singer Nathan Willett. He's not afraid of reaching Eurovision Song Contest winner Duncan Lawrence heights on Cold War Kids. Like 'Dirt In My Eyes' has a straight Racoon influence, although I doubt Cold War Kids has heard of the Zeeland band.

Reading up on the release online, I notice how disappointed older fans are with the album, where I'm not bothered by the legacy of the band. That makes I can judge New Age Norms 1 on its own merits more easily. Provided that this album is not a masterpiece, as it is not, it is highly entertaining. The variation between the songs makes it interesting and surprising to follow during the first listening sessions. I am certainly surprised listening to a song like '4th Of July'. In the singing Philly Soul, Bee Gees of the mid 70s, comes together musically with The Doobie Brothers of the Michael McDonald era. Without going all out, this is a fairly subdued song, just like e.g. 'What A Fool Believes' or 'Fanny (Be Tender)', the band hits the right kind of notes.

A little less understood by me is the The Killers move in 'Calm Your Nerves'. The song remains sort of bland. Despite Willett's singing  even. Let's return to what I think is the price song of New Age Norms 1: 'Fine Fine Fine'. Yes, it's Scissor Sisters in the chorus. The song is pumped up in several ways. Even Elton John comes to mind. If I were to listen critically, I would have some comments to make, were it not 'Fine Fine Fine' is so much fun. A lot is going on, with a few curve balls in there changing mood and speed for a while before going all out. It is not fluent though.

So, Cold War Kids has left the hard times behind and have found the good times, like so many of my generation did in the late 70s and hit the disco with its disco music. Cold War Kids dancing on top of that late 70s volcano that never truly erupted. The fun I had can not be taken away from me, for some there was a steep price to pay, for the fun they had, in the 1980s. Now the good times are here once more. Just listen to that bass at the end of 'Waiting For Your Love'.

Wo.


Listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g