Cold War Kids: Robbers And Cowards

Los Angeles Cold War Kids are an enticing prospect, proffering electro blues-rock, random clangs and bangs, lascivious, lurking vocals and a mischievous spirit to anyone crossing their path. And many have been, on the back of spine-tingling recent single

Los Angeles' Cold War Kids are an enticing prospect, proffering electro blues-rock, random clangs and bangs, lascivious, lurking vocals and a mischievous spirit to anyone crossing their path.

And many have been, on the back of spine-tingling recent single Hang Me Up To Dry - chaotic, fuzzy and lumbering, with a bicycle chain creepily clicking away in the background.

Nathan Willett's wails on the big three - death, alcoholism and religion - injects a final dose of soul into the mix, giving the band a kooky but appealing new take on the genre.

But two thirds in, the freshness falters a little, revealing a solidly bluesy but unremarkable finish.

Well worth a punt. 4/5