K. Schmitt 2008-12-12

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Loyalty to Loyalty is a very worthy follow-up to Robbers and Cowards in every way. It might take one or two listens to fully appreciate, but it is filled with great songs all the way through. Relief, 'hidden' at track 12, is potentially the best song on the album. The consensus as everyone's favorite seems to be "I've Seen Enough."

The low critical and fan reviews really are surprising to me. The Cold War Kids make some of the freshest and most enjoyable music that I've heard in the past ten years, along with The Mars Volta, Modest Mouse, and Band of Horses.

My review can't do this album justice. If you enjoy the Cold War Kids' sound, rest assured that Loyalty to Loyalty won't disappoint, and will provide maximum replay-ability.

Van Heezy 2008-12-08

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

I love Robbers & Cowards, so I was excited to pick this up. After I listened to this for the first time I remember staring at the screen confused. I tried to tell my friend about it afterwards, but I just could not really describe it, let alone whether I liked it or not. Now after a few more times listening to it, and trying to understand it better, I think I can.

Loyalty to Loyalty is nothing like Robbers & Cowards on the first listen. There is absolutely no flow between songs, there is no energy (other than on something is not right with me), it's very artsy, and it just doesn't reach out to the listener at all, but if you have some patience and sit through it a few times, it really grows on you. Willet's vocals are great, and really stand out. They sometimes drown out the rest of the music, but it isn't too big of an issue, it seems like the focus is on his lyrics, voice, and message rather than some of the cool parts that the guitar and bass had on songs like Hang me up to Dry off their last album. There is a lot of piano, and the whole album is toned down quite a bit. It's one of those albums you throw on in the morning or right before going to bed.

You can tell that they've developed quite a bit musically in the last two years, but it's almost like they don't want to admit it. Instead of letting a lot of songs develop as you would think they would, they try and bring the charm from the first album back making it feel somewhat awkward. A good example of that is Golden Gate Jumpers. But who knows, maybe that push and pull is part of the reason this album works. This review might seem overly negative, but it's because everything I don't like about this album is what I love about it. There's not enough focus on the music behind the lyrics but I love the vocals. It doesn't flow well but that makes each track stand out better. Anything you could think of about this album, it's kind of the same story. Just give it time, and be in the right mood, you'll be surprised at how Loyalty to Loyalty hits you.

Hamilton Carver 2008-11-08

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

From The White Stripes to The Black Keys, bluesy indie rock is nothing new. But Cold War Kids pull it off surprisingly well. Likeable for their down to earth lyrics and charming ability to tell stories, their second album offers a selection of melancholy tales; including an attempted Golden Gate Bridge suicide and the defeated inner monologue of a sad old man.

Musically on the other hand, Loyalty to Loyalty is a mixed bag. While the Kids shine for their distinct sparse instrumentation, meandering vocal lines and occasional jazzy licks, they sometimes fall into the trappings of generic indie rock and that's where they fail. That and the fact that frontman Nathan Willett's falsetto vocals have the band veering dangerously close to Radiohead territory.

At the end of the day thoguh, Loyalty to Loyalty is what you'd expect - a fun and fresh, if not very original listen. Recommended only.

William Tucker 2008-11-01

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

I recommend listening to it when you're in a mellow mood, as opposed to when you want to get amped up the way you might with Robbers and Cowards.

Two complaints..
1. Mexican Dogs..is the only song I don't love on the album.
2. His vocals are up too damn high on most of the tracks and they drown out the music, which is a shame. Too bad it's not possible to fix that ourselves.

Manu French 2008-10-18

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

For the fans of the first album, this second album is not as good but it is still worth purchasing because it really contains some gems. It is relatively unbalanced with some tracks that would really require some more work, but their unique sound is there throughout the album.