Cold War Kids – ‘Hang Me Up To Dry EP’ (V2) Released 29/01/07

Those “Big in 2007” lists have lumbered Cold War Kids with some heavy baggage, and provoked a mini-backlash after the release of ‘We Used To Vacation’. In spite of some isolated Maroon 5 comparisons however, they rightly infiltrated the ears of the British public with that irresistibly self-deprecating slab of slow-burning blues. The question is, was it a one-off or merely a taste of things to come?

With an opening note unnervingly reminiscent of Girls Aloud’s ‘Love Machine’, this latest offering presents another façade to CWK’s booze-soaked alt-pop. Less melancholy than their debut, ‘Hang Me Up To Dry’ features stronger vocals and a more upbeat tone. The deep bass fuzzes along a strident drum beat, sliced through with razor-sharp guitar flourishes. But it is the piano, the fuel for the doubter’s fires, that is the real star and when it wanders off on a mad tangent before the verses, the track truly comes to life.

The rest of the EP proves these Kids to be no flash in the pan. The heavier, White Stripes-esque ‘Well, Well, Well’ is a particular highlight and could easily have been held back for its own release. There may be some instances where lyrics become repetitive, and blinkered indie kids craving the next spiky Gang of Four tribute act may tire of the piano-driven melodies. But for those willing to block Keane et al from their psyche, this is a band that justifies the hype and is to be savoured.