Everyone's favorite Snakes on a Plane-related band has struck for the second time in just over a year. With more swagger than a Kanye West record and dance beats sure to make any human want to throw their fangs up and get down like a Jonathan Paplebon celebration, Cobra Starship will have fans pop, locking and dropping across the country.
Despite being known in most circles as a one-hit joke band, Cobra Starship's second release, Viva la Cobra, intends to push those ideas aside with some of the catchiest tracks written this year. But for every track that stands out, there is a forgettable track, as a few of the songs lack any substance.
Opening with "The City is at War," the Starship starts off with a pounding bass beat and a gang chorus in the background. If any song on this record is intended to start the dance party, this would be the one, despite its lackluster lyrics.
Following is "Guilty Pleasure," a lyrically-designed cheap shot aimed at all the people who claim lead singer Gabe Saporta sold out. Throw some keytar into the mix, and Saporta's crew have provided another fun pop song sure to get the live crowd going on their upcoming tour.
An obvious trend with most of the songs on Viva is the terribly shallow lyrics and while most listeners will know not to take the lyrics as seriously as Saporta's old band Midtown, it's hard to completely disregard them.
"Damn You Look Good and I'm Drunk" not only suffers from the weak lyrics but also a horrible, useless guest appearance by rappers VIP. Their part consists of criticizing various pop superstars for their celebrity miscues and bad examples, proving completely unnecessary. It nearly ruins the song, but its energetic pacing does make up for the appearance.
"But don't come at me when I am lit/Saying you just want to kiss/'Cause lord only knows where you've been."
Keytarist Vicky T has her role developed in this release and she even shares some vocal duties on the track "My Moves are White (White Hot That Is)." Be glad that's the only song she sings.
Furthering the bands growth is the Latin-tinged "Smile For the Paparazzi," a track that starts off slow but builds to a chorus larger than anything the band has ever done before.
According to Saporta, Justin Timberlake gave him a necklace with his photo in it reading: "Gabe, you are like the pop punk JT." To most this wouldn't make sense, but after a few listens to the strongest tracks on the CD, there is definitely some sort of JT resemblance.
Featuring Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, "Kiss My Sass" is one of the best songs on the record as it shows the band's growth from their debut release, with a bass line that could have been dropped on FutureSex / LoveSounds.
"I'm bringing sassy back/I never finish a thought/You can't forget 'cos you know nothing but my name/'Cos I don't want to hear about people I don't know."
Viva La Cobra is a very acceptable release that, after a few listens, really catches the ear and makes it impossible not to move your feet...as long as Vicky T isn't singing.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
