Hailing from Fullerton in California, Nathan Willett, Jonnie Russell, Matt Maust and Matt Aveiro came together in 2004 as the Cold War Kids. With influences as far-reaching as Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley and the Velvet Underground, the band quickly gained attention for their unique soul, blues and indie rock-fused sound. After signing to Monarchy Records, Cold War Kids released their debut EP Mulberry Street in 2005. The band then toured extensively, cementing their reputation as an impressive and passionate live act. In the year that followed they released two more EPs, With Our Wallets Full and Up In Rags. The band has also developed a reputation for their unique eye-catching visual aesthetic through the design work of bassist Matt Maust. Cold War Kids pushed their strong design facet through gallery shows, artistic web design and design books which accompany their music releases. In 2006 Cold War Kids signed to Downtown Records and in October that year released their much-anticipated, full-length debut album Robbers & Cowards. The band's second record Loyalty to Loyalty is set for a September 2008 release.