The Wake

Cold War Kids craft a demographically confused sound. Though the group is based out of southern California, they’re contenders for the dirtiest alt-blues group crown (excluding the White Stripes, of course). Together since ’04, they rose to prominence in ’06 with the release of their heralded full-length debut, Robbers and Cowards. Playing several high status festivals over the summer, the group ended the year on many a top 10 list. On March 7th, the group played their first ever Minnesota show with their friends, Delta Spirit, in the opening slot.

To much dismay, the scheduled opener for the evening had been canceled. Tokyo Police Club, a new group from Canada, found themselves in the midst of the snow storm and out of a gig. Fortunately, the evening’s headliner came prepared with one of the best shows in Minneapolis’s this year, and all were left satisfied.

As their name suggests, Delta Spirit share a quality or two with the Cold War Kids. They play a similar brand of old country blues, though frequently more subdued and with a touch more like Ryan Adams. The most definitive external characteristic of Delta Spirit is that the lead singer bears an uncanny resemblance to Fez from That 70s Show. At the March 7th performance, he sported a long sleeve plaid button up tucked into a pair of tight jeans with short black hair parted to on side. The rest of the group members were oddly dressed in black tops of different varieties. The David Gilmour look-a-like bassist wore a tight v-neck t-shirt, the drummer a v-neck sweater, the guitarist a plain black under shirt, and the 5th member a plain black t-shirt. This 5th member was in notable in serving as quite the utility man, a Denny Hocking of sorts. His instrument of choice ranged from the keyboard to a sleigh bell to a pair of maracas. The majority of Delta Spirit’s songs had the feel of a front porch sing-a-long; ballads which would flare out in the end.

It took a while for Cold War Kids to take the stage, but their take-off made it worth the audience’s wait. The lead singer, something of a Tarantino look alike, took a seat at the piano and pounded out the opening chords of, “We Used To Vacation.” A stumbling, saloon piano kick off, it featured a sporadic solo from their grizzled guitarist. The guitarist, along with the old time punk bassist, provided the better part of the group’s onstage movement. Though I’m generally not certain of ages, the bassist could have fallen anywhere from late 20s to mid 40s. His appearance and attitude suggested him to have been the brunt of many a bar house brawl. Onstage he kept busy, making his way from side to side, at one point kicking the front man in the ass as he spun by.

All band members partook in similar antics, except for the drummer. By placing a simple hand on the shoulder of the guitarist, or a soft jab to the back as the singer tickled the ivories, they exuded a genuine sense of camaraderie which helped to strengthen their overall effect.

The second song was “Passing the Hat,” which drew their front man out from under his piano to the front of the stage: microphone at his lips, guitar strapped firmly round his shoulder. This song was heavy on the tom (yes, singular, as the kit had only one) and featured some audaciously arranged piano/ guitar interplay. Two songs later arrived a clear evening highlight — the cover of John Lennon’s, “Well, Well, Well”. This was a wise selection given the lead singer’s natural vocal similarity to Lennon.

In spite of this seamlessly covered, up-tempo Lennon gem, it was two songs’ later that feet finally started to shuffle. Their rendition of, “St. John,” is one of the most inspired performances to date. For this song, the guitarist took a seat at the piano and Delta Spirit joined Cold War Kids onstage. Everyone was playing some sort of drum and the backing vocals, handled by the spastic guitarist and Fez, were possessed. Symbols resting atop stools were punched as bass drums were slapped and kicked. Tambourines were beaten to a pulp as the maracas were shaken without mercy. This double-barreled blues number was shot from the hip and left all floored.

The last song of the evening, following a sensational rendition of, “Hang Me Up to Dry,” was by far their longest. The group dedicated the song to former tour mates, Tapes ‘n Tapes, who were at the show. Originally Cold War Kids’ opening act, they are now of at least equal status. After seeing their show, I can attest that such a dedication is truly an honor.