On their stunning and haunting second album, the Long Beach, Calif., quartet have racheted up their faux-mono production values and woozy chops. [26 Sep 2008, p.93]
Cold War Kids are perhaps the only band out there ambitious enough to tackle head-on the contradictions and heartaches of America, past and present, and to do so with this passion and intelligence.
The Californian four-piece's follow-up is less inspired, however, lacking any memorable tunes or winning hoks to distract from Nathan Willett's grating falsetto, and much of the album is heavy going. [Oct 2008, p.141]
Their first album had several good songs. But this one has an overall structural and artistic integrity that the first one lacked. It's Their first album had several good songs. But this one has an overall structural and artistic integrity that the first one lacked. It's heavier on the drums and bass and generally has a more melancholly feel. This is a really compelling, really excellent album. These guys are artists in the truest sense.…Expand
This year has been full of very promising albums. First there was Death Cab's Narrow Stairs, and then there was Coldplay's Viva La This year has been full of very promising albums. First there was Death Cab's Narrow Stairs, and then there was Coldplay's Viva La Vida, among many others. I really liked both of those album's, especially Narrow Stairs, but they did not live up to their hype. At least not to their fullest. I have been waiting for this album for two years. Robbers and Cowards was amazing, and definatley had a unique sound. Loyalty to Loyalty has that same unique sound, but at something little extra. I love the bluesy roots in the album, and their lyrics have evolved into something worth talking about. The Cold War Kids are one album away from an instant classic with Loyalty to Loyalty. Don't judge the album by Something is Not Right With Me.…Expand
I usually tend to agree when an album gets largely unfavorably or mediocre reviews, but I find myself a bit confused at the lower spectrum I usually tend to agree when an album gets largely unfavorably or mediocre reviews, but I find myself a bit confused at the lower spectrum reviews for this one. I realize I'm going out on a ledge saying this so soon, but I really believe the album will be considered underrated in the future. The band shows great advancement in musicianship and a welcome sense of risk in their songs' structures. It is not as immediate as "Robbers," obviously, but there's something to be said for albums that take their time to invade you. I thoroughly enjoy this album, I am very pleased with the band, and I hope the critics' mostly lukewarm reception to the new album doesn't effect you from giving it a chance.…Expand
It took me about a week to get past the production, but once I adjusted, this album has been in my earphones nonstop. It is a different in It took me about a week to get past the production, but once I adjusted, this album has been in my earphones nonstop. It is a different in sound from last album; less sparce, cleaner, less obvious hooks even. But the songwriting is solid, and while I wouldn't classify it as a pop album, the songs have been in my head when I wake every morning. Love it.…Expand
Took me a while to to get into it; but after quite a few listens I hear the simple beauty and fun of these songs. No great songs, many good Took me a while to to get into it; but after quite a few listens I hear the simple beauty and fun of these songs. No great songs, many good ones, and maybe only one bad one (Welcome to the Occupation)…Collapse
I normally don't make hyperbolic statements such as this, but the reviewers above aren't going far enough to warn the listener how I normally don't make hyperbolic statements such as this, but the reviewers above aren't going far enough to warn the listener how egregious this album is and how much distance you should put between yourself and it. Loyalty to Loyalty barely passes as music. It is completely unfocused, amateur, underdone, half-baked schlock! The singing is amelodic and the songwriting is completely lacking any discernible structure. I honestly cannot believe that this abysmal, shameful, unforgivable, reprehensible pile of sounds was actually recorded, mixed, mastered, and released. In total sincerity: this insulting piece of detritus must be buried under the earth and never be spoken of again if we believe at all in humanity. Absolutely wretched!…Expand
