Cold War Kids
Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta
Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Everyone was highly anticipating the show, but even I who had seen the Cold War Kids and Delta Spirit play several times out in L.A. was not fully prepared for the most incredible performance ahead...   

I took my place – front and center - anxious for what was in store.  Frontman Nathan Willett sat down at his piano, and the music began as he tapped his feet and swayed back and forth with each note that he played.  There is no argument; they put everything that they have into every sound that they make.  Bassist, Matt Maust in particular, whose quirky dance moves would elevate each time the songs would climax… as if to taunt the melodies escaping his bass.  The vast assortment of sounds coming from their instruments had the whole crowd clapping and shouting in unison.  Even drummer Matt Aveiro was beating his drums with a maraca in one hand and a drumstick in the other.  

The CWKs were all smiles when Delta Spirit (who opened for them) decided to join in on the fun during the crowd favorite, “Saint John.”  Running from one side of the stage to the next, they took turns shaking glass bottles filled with change, beating down on the piano keys, and singing into the microphones.  It’s truly a miracle how perfectly chaotic the show appeared to be; yet no one missed a single beat.  It gave me chills.  I don’t know who was enjoying themselves more...the Cold War Kids or their devoted fans.