Cold War Kids @ Stag & Dagger Festival, Glasgow, 23 May

Formed in California in 2004, Cold War Kids released their debut album Robbers and Cowards in 2006. Heavily inspired by Velvet Underground and Bob Dylan, Nathan Willett (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, percussion), Matt Maust (bass guitar) and Matt Aveiro (drums) built up a cult following on their native indie rock circuit. Their songs have featured on TV shows including Gossip Girl, Entourage and The Hills, but don't hold that against them. Their second album Loyalty to Loyalty was released in September 2008 to mixed reviews, but this performance at Stag & Dagger should set the record straight.