Quick 'N Dirty Review: Cold War Kids | Behave Yourself (EP)

Before we start, here's a quick look at the rating system that we use here at The Dirtywhirl:

100 - Classic Album; One Of The Best Of All Time
99-90 - Exceptional Work; Rush Out And Get This
89-80 - Very, Very Good; You Should Still Go Out And Get This
79-70 - Not Bad At All; Might Actually Be Worth Your Time
69-60 - Has Its Moments But On The Whole... Meh
59-50 - Won't Make Your Ears Bleed; Won't Make You Dance, Either
49-0 - Don't Waste Your Time; You're Smarter Than This (Probably) 

Now... onto the review:

Cold War Kids | Behave Yourself (EP)

The sophomore slump has become cliche but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Many a band has followed up an auspicious debut with a clunker. It happens. Nobody's perfect and Cold War Kids are no exception. After forming in 2004 and releasing their vigorous debut full-length, Robbers And Cowards, two years later, the Long Beach-based act fell victim to the slump with the very underwhelming and frustrating Loyalty To Loyalty in 2008. Thankfully, Behave Yourself is a welcome reminder of why this band seemed so promising in the first place. As far as EPs go, there's no fat on the bone here as right off the bat "Audience Of One" announces that the missteps of Loyalty To Loyalty are in the rear view. Hearkening back to the power of Robbers And Cowards,  it uses a driving piano beat and Nathan Willett's mannered vocals to great effect. "Coffee Spoon" follows and quickly proves to be one of the new year's early standouts. Featuring a much different groove than they've shown in any of their previous recordings, it's a midtempo burner with a new sound that completely works for 'em. "Santa Ana Winds" and "Sermons" both share the spirit of Robbers And Cowards with "Sermons" in particular serving as a poignant closer, save for the coda "Baby Boy." Cold War Kids are reportedly entering the studio early this year to begin work on their third long player, one that there will be much more anticipation for after the clear success of Behave Yourself.

RIYL (Recommended If You Like): The Walkmen; Good EPs; Robbers And Cowards; Darryl Palumbo on Xanax; Comebacks

Standout Tracks: "Coffee Spoon;" "Sermons;" "Audience Of One"

Dirty Rating: 86/100

Behave Yourself EP - Cold War ...