Cold War Kids

HANDS DOWN BEST CONCERT EVER!! And their opener Elliot Moss was amazing too! When Cold War Kids were performing the crowd was great, everyone was so into it which made the overall experience that much more fun, not to mention how Nathan's vocals were unreal! The energy that all the guys have is so playful and they're always messing around with each other on stage which is always a fun thing to see. Matt Maust, the bassist, was probably the most interactive with the crowd where he would literally be on the edge of the stage (my friend and I were in the very front on the rail) and he would kneel down and sing along with us and try and touch our hands (it was a struggle because the stage was so high compared to where the rail was) and he would hold his bass out to the crowd and play and it was just an indescribable experience. After the show Elliot Moss and the rest of his band stood by the merch table and met all of us... And they were probably the sweetest and most humble people ever! They took pictures and signed autographs and it was awesome! Then as my friend and I were waiting in line for the merch, who walks out?? MATT MAUST, the bassist for Cold War Kids. We were freaking out. He was so nice and took pictures with us and signed autographs and was talking to us about the show. Whenever performers come out to see their fans they gain so much respect from me. Especially if you don't have to pay to do it. It's so genuine and it makes it that much more worth it that I've seen that performer live. Overall this was probably one of the best concert experiences I've had, and I would definitely pay to see Elliot Moss and Cold War Kids again one day!

I have been a fan of Cold War Kids since their beginnings in 2006 and despite them not achieving the same level of commercial success in the UK as in their homeland, they still have a solid fan base who continue to sell out their shows when the elusive quintet do perform on British soil.

One most recognisable thing about Cold War Kids' sound is that is has an unmistakably rough, almost demo like quality on recordings yet when performed live the music seems pitch perfect. There is little to no distortion from the speaker system from the opening bars of 'Royal Blue' to the very finale of the gig. An energetic live act, lead singer Nathan Willett commands the crowd whilst flitting from battling with his mic stand to sitting proudly behind the piano.

Picking material from a variety of albums and EPs, the group keep the enthusiastic audience engaged throughout by dropping fan favourites such as 'Hang Me Up Dry' without prior warning. My personal favourite 'Hospital Beds' came during the encore and had both myself and everyone else in the audience longing the band to visit the UK more often.

Cold War Kids put on one heck of a show. The band sounded absolutely perfect, very crisp, clean and solid. The vocals of lead singer Nathan Willett were strong and clear even as he switched from vocals to piano, to both, and back again. I was really surprised they sounded as good as they did, because listening to their albums you get the feel that the vocals are tampered with a lot.

I was especially eager to see the show because I heard that the guitarist from Modest Mouse, Dann Gallucci, had joined Cold War Kids.

There were quite a few people at the show, and even though the venue was packed the audience was really electric and sang and danced along with the band on the stage. There wasn't a lot of lighting or laser effects like some other shows, but I found I didn't miss it at all because the band was so exuberant and really into the performance.

One of the best moments was when they played their single Miracle Mile, which is one of my favorite of their newer songs. It was a really fast paced, exciting, adrenaline-pumping show and everyone that went had a huge blast!

The venue was beautiful. Union station is church like and regal. The energy of the crowd was at first reserved, probably due to the fact that we were all reminded of Sunday morning sermons. Once the music began to swell, people loosened. Although the speakers and the stage itself were set a bit too low, the music carried well and the acts were all professional and well rehearsed. Lighting was impeccable. It started late which was highlighted by the fact that there was a "no sitting" policy while waiting outside enforced by security. Overall, this was well organized and intimate. The energy could have been higher say if drinks were offered or music played as we waited in line. I got the impression that they cared deeply for the music first which was refreshing.

WHEN: 02/28/15. WHERE: HOB Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV. REVIEW: I had seen Cold War Kids numerous times in LA prior to moving to Vegas (2001), so it had been at least 4 years. They were better than ever. I liked the newer material, but it's great I remembered all of the older material, as I'm not a huge fan of them. (IE I don't listen to them outside of live concerts.) They encored with John Lennon's "Well Well Well", one of my all-time favorites songs, so that was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I'm very glad I saw them again.

Cold War Kids was amazing!! They had such high energy on stage. The music was insane live. Really awesome drummer and bass. They ended off the concert with a great encore that didn’t feel like they were rushing to leave. The whole room was pumped up for their more popular songs and they had a really powerful stage presence. Their opening band The Nude Party clearly put 110% into their performance and it made the whole room have fun even though I didn’t know their music.

The CWK's rock! (What can I say?)
A class act. Every song really hits home, in an off beat way. I can't wait to see them again, just hope that its someplace else.

Why?!?

The Venue (Mezzanine, SF)- not so good.
The only place to sit are expensive "Bottle Lounges". Rude bouncers and a smarmy night club feel. Super expensive drinks, as well. The sound system is good, same with the lighting.
...but it just feels wrong in there.

Best to be avoided!

I loved seeing Cold War Kids! They had a great stage energy and I loved hearing the variety of songs, not just new ones. There were some technical sound difficulties which were unfortunate with a mic and the guitar for like 2 songs but luckily it was eventually fixed.
I was surprised they only played for an hour considering they have more than 4 albums worth of songs! I guess some bands just don't have the stamina of others though.

The show was amazing! They put on a wonderful show, and I loved being able to see them. The only problem I had was not being able to see, but that's not on them of course! I was disappointed to see barely half the people had showed up to see them, everyone eventually arrived for Weezer but they both did an amazing job! I actually ended up walking past them without noticing, I totally should have said hi!

Amazing performance!!! I didn't think it was possible, but after seeing you guys live, I love yall even more now!! Great vocals, and great lineup of songs!! Also Elliot Moss did great as an opener. The one thing I hated about it was...waiting for for it to start!