Dolce & Gabana extended a two page ad to the public in Rolling Stone this week; it featured women in leg warmers. The 80s are officially in again, and Cobra Starship is here to confirm that statement. Playing a repertoire that ranges from and combines modern pop punk, to 80s influenced dance anthems, to electronic infused musical sound effects, Cobra Starship has more than conquered the formula for fun. The band’s debut self titled album is brilliant.
The lyrics behind all of Cobra Starship’s music are light, clever, and often full of pun and references to pop culture. The song titles are crafted into names such as “The Church of Hot Addiction” or “Pop-Punk is Sooooo ’05.” Right from the titles, it’s easy to get sucked into Cobra Starship.
“The Ballad of Big Poppa and Diamond Girl,” which references the rumored affair between Notorious B.I.G and Lil’ Kim, brings 90s pop culture into today. Adding the track to a Napoleon Dynamite sounding electronic backdrop, Saporta takes the voice of Biggie Smalls in an ode to Lil’ Kim.
Gabe Saporta and his backup band received recognition from makers of the movie “Snakes on a Plane.” While the movie fizzled out at the box office, it did have a significant amount of internet hype. Cobra Starship’s song didn’t make the Hollywood film a hit, but despite the film’s nosedive, the track itself, deemed, “Bring It (Snakes on a Plane),” is amazing. Cobra Starship introduces the track with a fast melody and rumbling bass line that sounds like the cliché music of impending doom. Suddenly, the guitar breaks in, shifting the track’s tone completely. While the music features an infectious hook and fun feeling, the lyrics (which feature banter between a man and woman) talk about being ready for death. In the middle of the fun rock track, Saporta busts out an impressive rap. With a track this good, it would be hard to worry about anything, even snakes on a plane.
To prove that Cobra Starship can delve into more than just electro infused pop rock, there are a couple slower tracks that emphasize a slower singer/songwriter type feel. One such example is “Being From New Jersey Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry.” Recorded in scratchy lo-fi, the track sounds like its being played on an old record player. Sung in a tortured, weak voice, the song rests in a place of sorrow. The soft acoustic sounding guitar solo lulls listeners into a calm place.
“Send My Love to the Dancefloor I’ll See You in Hell (Hey Mister DJ)” is the album’s most innovative track. Cobra Starship kicks off with an intro reminiscent of “Beat It” on Michael Jackson’s 1984 release of Thriller. The track is a fast moving blend of rock with an 80s electronic influence. Before the track’s chorus “Hey Mister DJ, you’ve got to put a record on” Cobra Starship strategically places an addictive noise affect of pehooooo! The track is a tight production of a punk dance track that’s an anthem for those who loved Fall Out Boy’s “Dance, Dance” but are ready for more.
Cobra Starship’s album just gets better with every listen and leaves listeners yearning for the band’s next release.
"Cobra Starship" is on sale December 31, 1969 from Decaydance.
