On their debut full-length self-titled album "Cold War Kids", California indie rockers Cold War Kids presented 12 moody tracks that established their melodic yet gritty sound.

Right from the opening drums of "Hospital Beds", their blending of rootsy punk and folk tendencies shone through. Led by frontman Nathan Willett’s brooding baritone, songs like “We Used to Vacation” and “Big Machine” flowed with a cinematic feel.

Production from Dave Fridmann elevated their compositions, residing in a space between melancholy and rise-up rock. Guest spots from fellow up-and-comers added depth, such as Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse on the brooding “Louder Than Ever”.

As an introduction, the self-titled effort saw Cold War Kids hit the ground running with an assured signature sound. Gritty Americana blended seamlessly with introspective lyricism and belly-of-the-night vibes.

This 12-track debut perfectly framed the band as Avant-garde storytellers melding multiple genres into one cohesive journey. It established them as wunderkinds to watch in the burgeoning indie scene.