After nearly 10 years and four full-length albums, California’s Cold War Kids are still going strong as they present their fifth installment, entitled Hold My Home. Hot off of the release of their previous album just last year, the Kids made the decision to move toward a simpler and more upbeat sound, as well as a more songwriting-heavy approach as opposed to their traditional live aesthetic.
Preserving the band’s jangly, garage band sound, single “Hot Coals” hearkens back to the early days of the Cold War Kids with its angsty guitar licks and echoing production value. The no-nonsense beat bangs along underneath singer Nathan Willett’s powerful and dynamic voice as he howls, “I suspect the reason I am loved / is because of how tight I’m holding on.” All in all, the track is a straightforward alt-rock piece that recalls the early 2000s golden days of the genre.