When I first opened up this blog, I thought it’d be stupidly easy to choose which albums to review. The last hour I spent surfing my iTunes library changed my mind.
Reviewing or criticizing a record is not easy. No matter how much times you’ve listened to it, it’s hard to pay enough attention to absorb it all. Harder yet to put it in words.
So, coffee in hand, I started looking alphabetically for an album in my seemingly infinite library;
Bright Eyes: I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning
Creedence Clear Water Revival: Pendulum
Spice Girls: Spice Girls
No. Nothing seemed to cut it for me or be reviewable enough for two AM. So, frustrated enough, I hit shuffle, play and started writing.
To anyone who’d listened to this beautifully perturbed band first singles (Such as Hang Me Up To Dry, Hospital Beds and We Used To Vacation) it’s obvious that this four californian weren’t looking for fame at all. Their love for music and crooked lyrics was tangible. All the way back from Robbers & Cowards ,you could feel the depressive atmosphere they were creating, narrated by a melodramatic, schizophrenic character, who, supported by a melancholic voice, tells its tale.
Now, why would I mention this? Well, I was, for som years, a dedicated Kings Of Leon fan. Both my iPod and my computer familiarized themselves completely with Youth And Young Manhood (2003), Red Morning Light Was my hymn. So, naturally, I anxiously expected every new release from my favorite band. Needless to say, the very day Only By The Night (2008) came out, I ran to buy it. Little did I know my favorite band was gone, replaced by some sort of a “Boy Band”, becoming as mainstream as they come.
Therefore, when I heard the very same producer who had destroyed the Followill family, Jacquire King, would be producing and collaborating in the new Cold War Kids album, I threw the towel, swearing he’d do the same to them, making them rich and famous (Lets face it, poor people write better).
Of course, when the time came, I bought it. I was pleasantly surprised.
The attempt for commercialization is clear on the catchy melodies, but the lyrics, the guitars, the pianos, and the somewhat complex drums seemed to have ingored the influence.
The album sounds more melancholic than its predecessors but, somehow, less obscure, with almost happy songs, but lyrics that only Nathan Willet could’ve written.
The first song, Mine Is Yours seems to be completely designed by King and gives the impression to be an attempt for fame, with a catchy, repetitive chorus. The introduction is completely dull and it’s hard to listen to it without condemning the whole album. Luckily, it’s the only one. The fact that it wasn’t the first single put of the record, makes me believe the band was not on board with the concept and decided to give the audience something more “real” which made them release the single Louder Than Ever (2010) We thank you for that.
Louder Than Ever brings back this character I mentioned on the introduction, painting us an image to describe where he is, talking about barred windows, referring (I think) to a mental institution. The chorus “I can hear you louder than ever” “… I can’t see you but we’re still together” Would represent a conversation with the voices in his head.
The album goes on, turning more ans more melodic each time, with each song getting a bit closer to what we heard on past albums but, in some way, more complex.
Each songs delivers some sort of emotional roller-coaster, giving us some fun, happy parts which abruptly turn into depressive and melodic choruses.
Perfect for driving at night or having a cup of coffee in the terrace during a rainy day. (Try not to have any shoes on.)
My picks:
Royal Blue
Finally Begin
Broken Open
Listen to it: http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=cold%20war%20kids-%20mine%20is%20yours
