Cold War Kids

Norwich Arts Centre

Californian indie four-piece Cold War Kids performed their last date of a three-week European tour in the cosy confines of Norwich Arts Centre on Saturday.

The gig opened with a zesty performance by support band Tiny Dancers with their blend of sunny acoustic-led pop. The Sheffield group, a curious mix of wild-west moustaches and bleached hair, powered through their set with rambunctious energy, ratcheting up their warm tunes with an irrepressible performance by frontman David Kay.

Cold War Kids loomed large over the audience in the intimate venue, freewheeling across the stage immersed in the intensity of a blistering set. Lead singer Nathan Willett's nasal whine fused with the squealing guitars of We Used to Vacation, the fetid Hang Me Up To Dry oozed brooding menace and Saint John bathed the crowd in its whisky-soaked blues. The hour-long set was also peppered with mellower interludes such as the sweet daydream of Pregnant. The band left the stage to riotous applause for their searing performance. It can only be a matter of time before they find the wider success they deserve.