Cold War Kids

At first, Cold War Kids' music seems almost haphazard, but a closer listen reveals the intricacy that gives the California band its distinctive sound. The piano and guitars set each song's mood, ranging from mellow to reckless, and the bass jacks up the intensity at just the right moments.

Cold War Kids' Loyalty to Loyalty spills a soulful yell over bluesy post-punk songs. Here, the band plays an unconventional version of "Something Is Not Right With Me" and discusses how the band copes with blog backlash.

Cold War Kids' music seems almost haphazard, but a closer listen reveals the intricacy that gives the California band its distinctive sound. Piano and guitars set each song's mood, ranging from mellow to reckless, and the bass jacks up the intensity at just the right moments.

Cold War Kids' second album, Loyalty to Loyalty, is based on the work of a little-known philosopher named Josiah Royce, who challenged Nietzsche's positions in the early 1900s. The art-pop band straddles the line between both philosophies in atypical rock fashion.

Smartly sloppy, Cold War Kids' "Tell Me in the Morning" exudes soulful swagger, driven by bright, shimmering guitar and handclaps. With a great hook, a catchy chorus and many changes in between, the song conjures up the giddy thrill of discovering Gang of Four or The Jam for the first time, which is no small feat.

Smartly sloppy, Cold War Kids' "Tell Me in the Morning" exudes soulful swagger, driven by bright, shimmering guitar and handclaps. With a great hook, a catchy chorus and many changes in between, the song conjures up the giddy thrill of discovering Gang of Four or The Jam for the first time, which is no small feat.