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SYRCAUSE, NY- Bringing together some of the most popular names in alternative rock out there, Syracuse’s 95X debuted it’s first ever Big-X-Cuse Fest! With a line-up featuring both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the alternative rock scene, 95X’s lineup was very impressive considering it was the radio station’s first year hosting this event.
Finally, Cold War Kids were ready to close out the massively successful Big-X-Cuse. The Long Beach, CA natives who create a soulful blend of indie and blues rock, have always been a personal favorite of mine ever since I first heard “Hang Me Up to Dry” off their debut album back in ’06. I’ve also appreciated their aesthetic and album artwork, especially their newest studio album, LA DIVINE.
Nathan Willet, lead vocals, has a voice that crackles with raw emotion and feel that really sets the mood for Cold War Kid’s tracks perfectly. Willet and the rest of the guys sounded just as fulfilling and rich live as they do when popping in a pair of headphones and listening to your favorite CWK’s album on repeat.
As Cold War Kids opened up with their catchy tune of “All This Could Be Yours”, the colorful lights and blocks on stage added a warm glow to the already perfect summer night. Much like all the bands before them, the suave demeanor and flare that Cold War Kids projected was radiating throughout the packed outdoor amphitheater. This reigned especially true only three minutes into their set when they played “Miracle Mile”, another classic. Matt Maust, bass, and Nathan Willet were especially energetic as the packed Syracuse audience sang along.
Like I said before, each band seemed to bring more and more energy to the table and such was the case with Cold War Kids. They were the perfect end to a seemingly perfect day of music, dancing and smiles all around. Whether it be covering Rhianna’s “Love On the Brain” and absolutely slamming it out of the park, or closing out their encore with “First” (their most popular and my all-time favorite song they’ve put out). That familiar opening guitar and Willet’s voice which belts out relatable, post-breakup lyric after another is just the icing on what can be described as a perfectly well-crafted song by a well-rounded band.
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE 95X BIG-X-CUSE COVERAGE!
