I rather took to Cobra Starship's effervescent 2007 album 'Viva La Cobra'.
It was brash but infectious (especially the hilarious 'Damn You Look
Good In That Dress (Scandalous'!) Their 2009 release, 'Hot Mess', however,
was more than a little disappointing; it just didn't have the same sparkle.
Although we've come to know their shtick by now I'm pleased to report
that their new recording 'Night Shades' is a return to form. The sound is
dated but this need not trouble us (Panic At The Disco and Fall Out Boy
might be said to have already mined this seam of high energy American pop
to death) as the songs have stamina and imagination despite their formulaic
disposition. If the fans are still listening they have good reason to be merry.
Gabe Saporta has a good voice and his supporting cast deport themselves
well throughout the ten songs in this collection. The sound is fat; the
beats are big; the tunes are hummable and the choruses singalongable.
Depite it's somewhat rude lyrics the song '****** In Love' has a cracking
melody and well-executed harmonies; 'You Make Me Feel' (sporting a cheeky
cheerleader vocal contribution from one Ms Sabi) chugs along merrily and
'Shwick' has the kind of high-octane chutzpah which would have complemented
a burst of high kicks from The Tiller Girls in their prime (ask your Grandfather!)
There is, allegedly, a love story of-sorts running through the material which I
sort-of got but enlightenment is not a prerequisite for enjoying the album.
All-in-all 'Night Shades' is a more than half-decent confection.
Recommended.