Cold War Kids w/ The Strumbellas
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
10.14.16
No longer Robbers & Cowards, Long Beach based five-piece Cold War Kids invaded Showbox SODO with their brand of energetic alt-rock.
Kicking off the show was charming group from Toronto, The Strumbellas. As they walked out on stage, I heard a fan scream, “Hey Dave!” Then keyboardist David Ritter crossed into my sightline wearing a hat that read DAVE. This definitely set the tone for the kind of spirit this band exuded. I’d categorize their music as anthemic pop-rock, as a majority of their songs have tremendous crescendos, like “In This Life,” a sweeping piece about optimism for others. In “Shovels & Dirt,” the sing-a-long began with the hook “I put a banjo up to the sky/It keeps us moving, it keeps us moving.” Their charm and spirit resonated throughout their entire set, which set the stage for CWK.
Looking as though it had a lot of stories to tell, a vintage piano sat on an otherwise simply-dressed stage. CWK left plenty of room to maneuver for their set. Opening with “Love Grow,” the band came out with tremendous fervor and energy. Lead singer Nathan Willett treated the sold out crowd to his signature passionate vocals while Matt Maust (Bass) and Dann Galluci (Guitar) traversed the open stage, shredding on their instruments, which immediately showcased their palpable chemistry.
Much to the surprise and delight of the crowd, CWK unleashed their hit “Miracle Mile” just four songs in. This ignited a jumping party that shook the floor of the venue. “Our first single just turned ten,” said Willett, as they began the hard driving “Hot Coals.” The rest of their set included “First,” “Audience,” and “Royal Blue,” combined with old cuts “Vacation,” “Saint John,” and “Hang Me Out To Dry.” It was basically a musical biography from the tried and true rockers, and the crowd wasn’t complaining.
Ten years into their career, CWK have definitely grown into men. There is something to be said about consistency, and the guarantee that catching them live, you will bear witness to a dynamically excellent rock show.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
Cold War Kids
The Strumbellas
