Album Review: Cold War Kids - 'New Age Norms 1'

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When a band announces that they’re going to be releasing a trilogy of music in shorter formats than a full-length album, and without the pressure of having to tour each cycle; you can almost guarantee that there will be a bit of experimentation on the cards.

Cold War Kids were inspired by Kanye West’s quick succession of releases back in 2018 and enjoyed the feeling of taking in the unexpected bodies of work. Whilst you may not find any rap solos from Nathan Willett ‘New Age Norms 1’ there are some interesting vocal moments that appear to come from the band letting loose and not feeling an urgency or pressure in making this album.

Whilst Cold War Kids still retain elements of their indie-rock roots, this project sees them pivoting further towards the pop world. ‘Complainer’ delves into the idea of contemplating time and our state of existence. The lyrics: “you say you wanna change the world / do you really believe in magic?” offers a kind of pessimistic view on whether or not we’ve reached the point of no return, ‘Fine Fine Fine’ offers an ironic respite of reality to pondering such miserable things. With its ‘Lust For Life’ style bass line, it’s the kind of song that you can’t help but move to.

Slowing things down piano-ballad style are ‘Beyond the Pale’ and ‘Calm Your Nerves’. The former explores the different kinds of love that you may experience, and appears to be trying to manoeuvre the world of fidelity, meanwhile the latter has that shimmering feel-good vibe that you’d experience at a festival in the height of summer. ‘Dirt in my Eyes’ takes on that gritty and sleek atmosphere that Cold War Kids are famed for, but it’s ‘Tricky Devil’ that really stands out. Crooning vocals are darkly and intoxicating, and the stripped-back nature of it all draws the album to a close in a way that makes you eager for the next part in the trilogy.

Words by Tyler Damara Kelly


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