ALBUM REVIEW: Cold War Kids – New Age Norms Vol. 1

CWKTWO

Released: 01.11.19

Californians Cold War Kids’ seventh record is brimming with positivity, from the upbeat Prince-like funk of opener Complainer to the poppy brilliance of Calm Your Nerves. Dirt In My Eyes recalls the seediness of Scissor Sisters without the sexual innuendo, whilst Fine Fine Fine shares similar 80s vibes with We Are Scientist’s Brain Thrust Mastery era.

It’s difficult throughout to shake the feel of Robbie Williams fronting an indie band, such is the similarity between his and Nathan Willett’s vocal delivery, despite the considerable distance from Long Beach to Stoke. Nonetheless, the most Williams-esque track is Beyond The Pale, a forbidden love confessional that the former boyband star is so well known for. Incidentally, it’s also the undoubted highlight. Go figure.