Thurs, Nov 11, Cold War Kids

When Death Cab for Cutie came to Sacto two summers ago, I doubled in excitement because Cold War Kids were also on the bill. But when Death Cab vocalist and guitarist Ben Gibbard took the stage and announced that the guys were sick and later swallowed by a whale: disappointment. Now, the Kids are back in Sac—and this time, they better bring throat lozenges. Their debut album, Robbers & Cowards, is filled with off-kilter piano, spastic time signatures and is topped off with the howling, gospel-like voice of Nathan Willett. And although their lyrics have a slightly religious undertone, Willett openly passed on the Christian-band label in an interview with OC Weekly. 2708 J Street, www.coldwarkids.com.