Though it’s only 14 minutes long,
Behave Yourself goes a long way toward showing what
Cold War Kids can do with their music. Their second album,
Loyalty to Loyalty, was filled with nearly as many disappointments as innovations, but this EP focuses that album’s dark, soulful direction into four impressive songs. “Audience of One” begins
Behave Yourself on a surprisingly smooth note, bringing
Cold War Kids' sound, especially
Nathan Willett’s vocals, closer to the
Jeff Buckley-tinged side of their music than their feisty rock. “Sermons” gets even more soulful and feels appropriately gospel-inspired, and while the bright pop of “Coffee Spoon” and “Santa Ana Winds” doesn’t exactly rock, these songs bring an energy that contrasts nicely with the EP’s other tracks. Streamlined, confident, and cohesive,
Behave Yourself finds
Cold War Kids getting their groove back. ~ Heather Phares