The Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band formed in 2004 in Fullerton (Long Beach), California. The band’s lineup initially consisted of Nathan Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Matt Maust (bass guitar), Jonnie Russell (guitar, keyboards, vocals, percussion), and Matt Aveiro (drums, percussion). The band’s name is derived from an experience of Nathan Willett’s parents, who attended a Cold War Kids exhibit while on a trip to Eastern Europe.
The band gained attention with their energetic live performances and released their debut album, “Robbers & Cowards,” in 2006. The album received critical acclaim and included singles like “Hang Me Up to Dry” and “Hospital Beds,” which helped establish the band’s signature sound characterized by raw, soulful vocals, bluesy guitar riffs, and catchy melodies.
Their current lineup includes Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Matt Maust (bass guitar), David Quon (guitar, backing vocals), Matthew Schwartz (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, percussion), and Joe Plummer (drums, percussion). This grouping has been together since 2016.
While some would criticize their latest efforts as too “commercial” and appealing more to a generation of fans who prefer catchy lyrics to sing along to, I for one cannot be one to argue. Their single “Run Away with Me” is a hit on alternative rock channels like SiriusXM’s “Alt Nation” – and a staple on modern and new alternative rock channels on the traditional FM dial. And their fans are still coming in droves to their concerts.
CWK has had a hold on me for some time. Perhaps its Nathan Willett’s vocal style, which is unlike many other artists out there today. For the most part I don’t care for whiny singers or songs, and while some may categorize Willett’s vocal style as something akin to that, to me there is more power and emotion behind it. While songs like “Run Away with Me” don’t capture the raw feel or simplicity of an earlier classic like “Hang Me Out to Dry”, there is a certain magic to the song that cannot be denied.
Just for fun, because that seems to be a standard CWK fans seem to hold on to, I went back and listened again to Hang Me Out to Dry (not like I don’t already know the lyrics and song, or I haven’t heard so many times before). By the way, that’s a fun assignment. Going back and listening to songs you liked with a fresh perspective. And yeah, it’s every bit as powerful and raw as I remember it. Simple and driving. The raw groove that it thrusts open with keeps you engaged and bobbing your head throughout. The beautiful simplicity of the beat and groove, which culminates with Willett exploding with the chorus with incredible emotion and angst. The distortion adds to the crescendo of emotions you are experiencing, wanting more but needing less.
Compared to this song, I don’t think there is any argument that could be had where “Run Away with Me” would win – aside from perhaps it is more popular. But that is a function of marketing and playability of the song, along with the fact that Cold War Kids are obviously a little more well known now than they were 18 years ago.
Yet Run Away with Me does have charm to it, a certain not-so-innocent vibe that is hidden in a slightly poppy or mainstream riff. And it reflects on emotions we all have probably felt, though not as raw as Hang Me Out to Dry. The longing, being in the moment, with someone you care about. And feeling the tug of two worlds, tearing you apart. The feeling of caring so much in such a short time that you feel you cannot go on the same way without the experience you just had. Who hasn’t felt that?
Look, I tried to find a reason to hate the song. But I just can’t. Perhaps it’s because I can relate to it on some level. It resonates with me.
Or perhaps the reason other people don’t like it is the exact reason I cannot get it out of my head. I’m a rebel.
Deal with it. Or hang me out to dry.