Cobra Skulls – Agitations

In a perfect world, this review would be two phrases: Cobra Skulls. New Album. And that would be all that needed to be said. But this is far from a perfect world, and so there are probably some of you who, despite the recent deal with Fat Wreck Chords, the tour with NOFX, the involvement with the Bad Religion tribute album, and the nearly non-stop touring need some extra encouragement.
Fine.

Reno, Nevada's Cobra Skulls are set to release their third full-length album Sept 27 (but if you're impatient, or just like to try before you buy, you can stream it for free right now at http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=46382). Following close on the heels of "Bringing the War Home", a 7-song EP released at the beginning of this year, "Agitations" is another strong entry in the Cobra Skulls' catalog.

The album is more focused than the band's sophomore effort, "American Rubicon", which had an eclectic blend of styles running the gamut from ska to pop punk and back again, with bits from hardcore, and nearly everything else shoved in the back pockets. "Agitations" feels like the band has found a solid voice, though it's no less eclectic over all, with classic rock, punk, blues, and even a little country flavor blending together to create the Cobra Skulls sound. 

Cobra Skulls' lyrical edge hasn't dulled either, despite the high output. The album re-visits familiar topics, like the plight of the American working class, and our servicemen, but clever lyrical construction, and relentlessly energetic music keeps these topics interesting. Lines like "we're all too big to fail, so can we bail out everyone?" and "they've gotta find new ways to make living a crime" are begging to be shouted full volume, fists in the air.

If you're lucky, you can catch them on their current tour dates here: http://www.facebook.com/cobraskulls?sk=info, and if you're not, treat yourself to the new album and practice up for next time.

order direct from Fat Wreck here: http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/775



 

 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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