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Live at Kia Forum
July 26th, 2026 by Joey Clark
On July 17th, the Kia Forum in Inglewood became a celebration of SoCal-based alternative music as Young the Giant and Cold War Kids paired up for a powerful, deeply moving billing.
What could have easily felt like an average arena stop on the Victory Garden tour instead played out like a transcendent homecoming party for thousands of diehard fans of the groups.
Claiming the stage as their own, Cold War Kids delivered a masterclass in stripped-back, evocative performance. The band with Long Beach origins wasted no time and launched into their first song; the notable bassline of “So Tied Up” echoed throughout the Forum and was met with thunderous applause.
Frontman Nathan Willett’s distinct raw, somewhat bluesy voice cut through the mix over the wave of sound the band created. Alongside him, bassist Matt Maust was a whirlwind of motion, providing a plethora of low end, stalking the stage, and connecting with the audience in his line of sight.
What makes Cold War Kids such a memorable live act after 20 years is their unique ability to make a large venue still feel intimate. During numbers like “Can We Hang On?” and the beloved throwback track “Hospital Beds,” Willett frequently sent chills through the crowd with the contrast of his voice. His hard rock inspired vocals packed a punch and drew the crowd in during the softer moments, which easily transformed the crowd of 17,000 into a singalong.
Some emotional high points of their set arrived with “Love Is Mystical” and “Miracle Mile.” These tracks are deeply tied to Los Angeles lore, and it was obvious these tracks grabbed locals in the audience. As soon as they launched into their massive 2014 hit, “First,” the arena was instantly on its feet, shouting every word back to the stage at the top of their lungs. It was a reminder of why Cold War Kids remain a staple in the modern indie rock scene.
While Cold War Kids’ set was defined by their focus on performance paired with a no-frills production, Young the Giant’s production was a breathtaking visual feast for the senses. Supporting their sixth studio album, “Victory Garden,” the Irvine-based five piece turned the massive stage into an immersive living garden.
As the house lights dimmed, towering, colorful inflatable flowers expanded across elevated platforms while a cloud of fog rolled across the floor.
Frontman Sameer Gadhia charged the stage with magnetic charisma. As the band opened with the first song off “Victory Garden,” “Evergreen,” Gadhia’s vocal range was on full display, effortlessly shifting from his classic baritone into flawless falsetto. Guitarists Eric Cannata and Jacob Tilley, alongside bassist Payam Doostzadeh and drummer Francois Comtois, provided a solid foundation for Gadhia to soar to great heights.
Young the Giant’s setlist seamlessly integrated their 15-year catalog with new cuts. Early hits like “Apartment” and “Silvertongue” inspired enthusiastic shouts, with Gadhia gliding across the stage and showing off his undeniable ability to command a stage.
One of the night’s absolute standout moments came during “Superposition.” Mid-song, the band seamlessly interpolated a verse of The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” shedding the arena spectacle for a stripped-back moment that brought an extraordinary hush over the crowd. Hearing thousands of voices softly harmonizing together inside the Forum was nothing short of spine-tingling.
Gadhia took a bit of time to address the crowd and reflect on the band’s humble beginnings throughout Southern California, expressing genuine gratitude for reaching the milestone of headlining the iconic Kia Forum. That sincerity carried throughout every song.
To wrap up the evening, the band delivered a final knockout punch. “Cough Syrup,” the song that launched them into the cultural zeitgeist over a decade ago, felt as urgent and cathartic as ever.
Life’s too short to even care at all, I’m losing my mind, losing my mind, losing control.
YOUNG THE GIANT
They closed the night with “Mind Over Matter” and it felt like the closing song to a beloved TV show. The song by nature is light, airy and finite in its emotion, setting it up to be the perfect closing track for the evening.
Concerts at the Kia Forum often carry an unmistakable weight and gravitas, but July 17th hit different. It was a night that celebrated the Southern California indie rock scene. Cold War Kids brought soul and raw rock energy, while Young the Giant delivered an ambitious, visually stunning arena show that delivered on all fronts.
Together, they proved that far from merely riding nostalgia for the mid 2000s, both bands are still producing vital music and performing at their absolute best. It was an unforgettable night, and a fitting tribute to the scene that nurtured them all these years.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
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SID 260626 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
