09-02-2011 Cold War Kids

Supports: Wye Oak; Venue: Luxor, Cologne (Germany)
By: Nina Mende

I think I am hardly ever as excited to see a band as I was tonight. Cold War Kids were playing at Luxor tonight, a sold out show. Ever since I listened to their music I was in love with their music, curious if they would be just as amazing live. And to let you know up front: They definitely are!

The house was packed, the light was dim. The fog made it hard to see and the red light hardly changed at all. Terrible for all photographers but just perfect for the atmosphere. Warming up for Cold War Kids was Wye Oak. Wye Oak is an indie folk rock duo from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, composed of Andy Stack (drums, keyboards, backup vocals) and Jenn Wasner (vocals, guitars). Their sound has been described as “earnest folk-influenced indie rock with touches of noise and dream pop”. Jenn Wasner sings lead vocals and plays electric or acoustic guitar, while Stack plays both drums and keyboards, playing the drums with his feet and right hand, and the bass line with his left hand. A very interesting indie duo with interesting music. The audience like them. The two did not talk too much with the audience but performed their songs with a lot of passion. A wonderful and beautiful performance and a great opener for Cold War Kids.

Now it was time for the headliner. The audience seemed just as excited as I was. But it also seemed like they had seen Cold War Kids before or at least know of them longer than I do. The cheering was loud as the Californians entered the stage. Cold War Kids is an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Band members are Nathan Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Matt Maust (bass guitar), and Matt Aveiro (drums, percussion). The catchy music of Cold War Kids got everyone going along. Dancing and clapping the fans had a good time. And so did the band on stage. Cold War Kids played old and new songs like “Audience”, “Hospital Beds”, “Santa Ana”, “Louder Than Ever” and very many more. The cheering after each song was immense. Cold War Kids talked a little in between the songs. Absolutely charming and almost shy they performed on stage for about an hour. The music caught your heart and filled it with joy. Simply amazing! Cold War Kids came back for a two song encore. An amazing show that went by way to fast. What a breathtaking show it was. Simply beautiful!

More photo’s of this event can be found at roseofthedevilsgarden.com

Links:
Cold War Kids MySpace
Wye Oak Official