Diandra Reviews It All

When Cold War Kids dreamt up L. A. Divine, they wanted to reveal the demons of the City of Angels; a place that can be beautiful and ugly, all at once. This may be why it is the home of said Hollywood, which is a world that reflects the greatness and issues of humanity. Thus, L.A. Divine is a record that plays up how big humanity, or being human can be, for how small its feels.

Cold War Kids – Can We Hang On ?

Can We Hang On?

From its first track, “Love Is Mystical”, you get the feeling that this is a personal album; one where lead singer Nathan Willett is going to rev up his vocals to drip with the highs and lows of trying to feel his humanity. “Love Is Mystical” is a perfect opener and setting for this album that speaks, thematically, on the resistance and eventual resignation we give to our humanity. From resisting love (“Restless”) to the liberating notions and lulling chords of “Free to Breathe”, human beings want to feel divine, but must first go through feeling human, which is not a fun, easy process. Yet, Nathan Willett’s vocals are so succulent, you wonder if a California orange was squeezed to coat his voice with a tender, fascinating emotionality. His vocals make you feel what he feels, and are 100% memorable and strictly his: no confusion with another artist’s vocals. As Willett writhes in the pounce and pierce of “Luck Down” or swindles his voice as if was tossed into the mystical, guitar abyss/ arrangements of “La River”, you follow him. Why? Because he quickly becomes the epitomized voice of every time, you did not want to give in to your life, for better or worse, but eventually did.

Cold War Kids – Love Is Mystical

Love Is Mystical

L.A. Divine succeeds as an album because it is nuanced in instrumentals, but also has several quotable moments. In some ways, its songs play off like Hollywood films where you remember certain lines that leaped out to you for their spiritual relevance and plain coolness. “Open Up To The Heavens” chorus is so ready to be sung by a concert crowd. It is catchy, mischievous, and resonating to human desires to get through the “pearly gates” and stop being tested for worth. Hence, L.A. continuously provides the album an essential domain, in terms, of its aura and meaning across the world. What rich person, struggling artist, and humble L.A. resident is not questioning their personal value against their profitable one? Thus, tracks like “So Tied Up” feat the wonderful Bishop Briggs or “Cameras Always On” may differ in instrumental ignition, one is raving and one is delicate, but both share a lyrical patent of feeling tethered to surroundings’ demand to stay and look “on” even when you are feeling off.

Cold War Kids – Restless

Restless

“Can We Hang On”, “Part of The Night”, and “Ordinary Idols” are just a few of the 14 tracks that exemplify Nathan Willett’s vocal prowl of human sentiment and a universal struggle to feel on top of the world while also not wanting to be apart of it. Whether it is from Cold War Kids’ intimate ambitions, relationships, and insecurities, L.A. Divine is raw, sonic excellence. It hits your heart’s core while quaking with riffs and drums that feel like they came from the earth’s core. For More Information Cold War Kids and Click Here To Buy L.A. Divine On April 7.