The Cold War Kids are a band known to get straight to the point. Whereas a lot of performers will dance "around" a song by describing what the lyrics mean and where they were when they wrote it, this band jumps straight to the point and, justly, put the music first.

However, one thing lead singer Nathan Willett did take the time to tell the crowd was, "It's good to be home again."

The band, who released their fourth studio album (“Dear Miss Lonelyhearts”) in February, played a setlist that included songs from all of their previous albums, such as “Mine Is Yours” and their first poke at success, “Robbers and Cowards.” 

ALSO READ: Cold War Kids Evolves Their Sound With 'Dear Miss Lonelyhearts'

The Cold War Kids have experienced being one of the main acts featured at Coachella (2011) and also have had fellow musicians cover their tunes (i.e. Florence + the Machine, “Hospital Beds”); however the band has yet to break out of the “one-hit wonder” rut ("Hang Me Up to Dry").

In an attempt to fix this and revert back to their “roots,” CWK decided to evolve their sound on this new record. Whereas the previous “Mine Is Yours” was more alternative-pop, “Dear Miss Lonelyhearts” certainly boasts a more hard-rock infused sound (though the album is named after a Nathanael West novel). The band decided to do this not only after deciding it was time, but also because critics have never exactly praised them. 

Willett began the night with the politically charged, “Mexican Dogs.” Following this was another CWK essential, “Royal Blue,” the track which has been known to be on the “lighter” side of their songs.

Through the set, bassist Matt Maust could not keep still, always wandering around the stage, while guitarist Dann Gallucci acted as the yin to his yang.  

Of course, who can forget “Hang Me Up to Dry,” the band’s most popular song to date? If the crowd seemed a bit quiet before, everyone certainly awoke and sang along to this one. It was clear some of these people had been "wrung out too, too, too many times."

Another strong point was the performance of the song “Audience.” Because of the addictive quality of the song and the simple effort it takes to sing along, the actual audience was left wanting more.  

“Hospital Beds” is an absolute classic that has also garnered success for the band. The song is actually quite melancholy (“I got one friend layin’ across from me / I did not choose him, he did not choose me”), but the crowd absolutely loved it.  

The band has been promoting, and also performed, their new single, “Miracle Mile.” The song has the elements to be the next alternative hit, with a summer beat and the catchy lyrics (i.e. the repetition of “Come up for air”).  

Other songs played included “Red Wine, Success!” “Cold Toes on the Cold Floor,” “We Used to Vacation,” “Something Is Not Right with Me,” “Louder Than Ever,” and the night concluded with another essential, “St. John.” 

Overall, it was a decorous performance for Cold War Kids. With the bassist not being able to stand still and the addition of unconventional instruments (maracas, harmonica), it is clear that the energy of the band is still there. The talent has also not disappeared, as they recently even acquired Modest Mouse's guitarist.

Cold War Kids have grown and matured as a band, and clearly still have what it takes to make it in the music industry. The only thing missing now is to decide whether to stick to their rock roots (even if it means not gaining immense fame) or to succumb to mainstream pop.  

Contact Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.