When I found out the Cold War Kids were going to be gracing the stage of The Majestic, I was ecstatic for two main reasons. First, the band's recently released album Hold My Home was easily one of my favorite albums of 2014. And secondly because they were playing at THE MAJESTIC. A world-renowned band was playing at the close-quartered Majestic Theatre!
As I expected, the band was incredible from start to finish. They did not waste time with any water breaks or attempt to talk with the audience in between songs. Rather, they rapid-fired through the music that everyone came to hear without sacrificing any of the thrill. The highly energetic band seemed to enjoy themselves in the midst of a sort of controlled chaos on stage. By spreading the keyboards and drums to the stage corners, they opened up the center for the giddy lead guitarist, forever-pissed bassist, and direly-passionate singer to dance and rock freely. The unique stage presence and confined venue made for an exceptionally uncommon experience. An experience that simply cannot be replicated through headphones.
In the past, the Cold War Kids have tended to get bad rep for their live performances. Many reviews have accused their live sound of differing from their album. At The Majestic, this was not the case. Maybe with the exception of “First”, the band had crystal clear audio that was never off-beat. The newly appointed drummer, Joe Plummer, replicated their signature sound from past albums perfectly. After Plummer's previous roles on Modest Mouse and The Shins, it's clear that the man is genuinely a superstar to watch live, and I'm not even a drummer.
The dense atmosphere of the majestic complimented the band well. Although I believe the Cold War Kids belong on much larger stages, it was a pleasure to be able to sing along less than ten feet from stage. Nathan Willet, the singer, mentioned on multiple occasions how he loved the crowd and atmosphere, and by no short measure, they showed their love in return through chaotic fist-pumping and water bottle-throwing throughout.
This was only the band's third appearance in Wisconsin, and first ever in Madison. The sold-out concert was clearly a success which left people hoping for a return; not of the cold war, but of the kids that inhabited it (see what I did there?).
