Review and Photos by Delaney Hawley
On February 3rd, 2024, Cold War Kids brought their 20 Years Tour to the Moore Theatre in Seattle. The setlist included 25 songs, balancing nostalgia and excitement for new releases. Fans were thrilled to hear tracks from their 2023 album and their newest single, “Heaven In Your Hands," released on the tour's first day.
The Texas-based pop duo Hovvdy kicked off the show by engaging the crowd. They shared tour stories which sparked laughter and delivered a dynamic performance with alternating lead vocals.
The indie pop band received multiple “I love you’s” from the crowd as they put on a joyful and calming show. They teased the Seattle crowd with a bit of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana before ending with “True Love.”
Cold War Kids burst onto the stage with chaotic energy, performing their danceable hit “You Already Know” from New Age Norms 2. They followed it with the crowd favorite “Miracle Mile,” which had the audience cheering enthusiastically.
The band exited the stage, leaving lead singer Nathan Willett alone for an intimate performance with just a piano. Willett encouraged the audience to sing along to an older track, “Bottled Affection," which is not typically part of their setlist. As he led the crowd through the lyrics, their collective voices brought a genuine smile to the singer's face.
The band delivered an outstanding performance, featuring a mix of songs from various albums. The standout track, “Run Away With Me," was a lively number with an upbeat tempo from their latest album, and it got band members and fans dancing and singing along.
When Cold War Kids perform a song from their debut album, Robbers & Cowards, the crowd transforms. Each person feels a connection, swaying in unison and lifting their hands to the rhythm. Whether it’s “Hang Me Up To Dry” or “We Used To Vacation,” these mid-2000s hits resonate deeply with the audience.
Cold War Kids are known for their inventive use of auxiliary percussion and dynamic tempo shifts. In “Mexican Dogs,” frontman Nathan Willett caused chaos by breaking a maraca on the piano, scattering beads between the keys. Lead guitarist David Quon contributed with a tambourine, while the band also used intact maracas in their vibrant performance.
The final track of the evening, "First" from their 2014 album Hold My Home, showcased backing vocalist Matthew Schwartz's talents. Quon’s support allowed the band to cover a wide range of octaves.
The Moore Theatre offered an intimate experience cherished by fans and the band alike. Cold War Kids engaged with front-row attendees throughout the night, unhindered by any barricades. Willett fostered inclusivity by requesting the house lights to illuminate the balcony, ensuring all were greeted.
Long-time fans of Cold War Kids were not surprised when they delivered an encore starting with “All Of This Could Be Yours.” The encore was a moment for the band to savor their final minutes on stage. They switched instruments, darted across the stage, and playfully nudged each other, concluding with "Something Is Not Right With Me.”
Cold War Kids
Hovvdy
