Cold War Kids: Dear Miss Lonelyhearts

- Cold War Kids have returned with their fourth LP, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, a largely successful follow-up to what was becoming a rather diminished career. This album is very much a Cold War Kids-sounding record, which in itself becomes slightly problematic. While there are valiant attempts at creating a more experimental and untried sound, there is little that really deviates from the first three LPs. ‘Miracle Mile’ is a classic Cold War Kids up-tempo ballad that blends the rich, warbled vocals of Willett with a punchy piano melody to create what will undoubtedly become a popular sing-along at music festivals. ‘Lost That Easy’ and ‘Loner Phase’ are a lot more electronic than other songs the band have released, the production of both is particularly heavy handed and often overdone. It’s not necessarily bad though, electronic elements often tend to infiltrate indie bands when they are on tour these days. ‘Fear and Trembling’ is a slower, more minimalist effort from Cold War Kids with nods to some shoegaze elements that could well be the influence of producer Lars Stalfors of The Mars Volta. The wailing vocals are washed out with a haze of noise, the arrangement even includes a surprising saxophone melody. ‘Tuxedos’ is one of the few ventures into ‘experimental concepts’ that actually works for Cold War Kids on this album. It’s as though the band have taken on a classic R&B hit from the 60s and really gone to town on it. The soulful lyrics are quite enthralling and the simple beat and basic melodic undertones merge together brilliantly. There are a few low points on Dear Miss Lonely Hearts, more than a few of the songs quickly fall into the very generic, slightly electronic indie genre. The band are at their best when Willett is powering through a reverb-heavy ballad, the piano melodies are catchy and the production is kept simple. ‘Jailbirds’ is particularly successful in these areas and is actually a slightly heavier and darker track, held together with impressive vocals. The added electronic textures and forays into R&B or heavy rock are a great contrast to the classic, down-the-line indie rock/soul that Cold Wars Kids are used to, but the impact of this contrast is lost amidst the presence of some fairly ordinary songs and interesting production choices. - Clare Armstrong.