Well, shit. Another weekend flew by way too quickly, and now it’s Monday again. Aren’t Mondays pretty much the worst thing ever? I can’t think of many things that are worse. I don’t know if it’s too early to start looking forward to next weekend already, but that’s kind of how I’m feeling. Perhaps some fun party music will help to pass the time? Maybe, who knows.
Today (just like every Monday) I’ve gone to the “Sign Me to Roadrunner Records” website to find some new music, and I saw that I’d received a message from a band called L.A. Cobra, who play glam/hair metal. Based on everything you know about this band so far, I’ll give you three guesses where they come from.
Did you say South Africa? I bet you didn’t, but that’s the correct answer. Pretoria, to be specific. If you’ve never heard an African band that recreates that 80’s Sunset Strip vibe, then come right this way, because you’re in for a real treat.
Founded back in 2005, L.A. Cobra have released two albums so far — their debut Cherry Hill in 2007, which was followed by How Much Snake Can You Take? in August 2011. This sophomore offering is still available by contacting the band. They say they are also working on a third album right now, which is expected to be completed sometime this year.
The band has three songs for you to hear on their Signmeto Roadrunner Records page: “Back Roads,” “Danger Danger,” and “Stray Cat.” All three demonstrate that these guys have really done their homework regarding that classic hair metal sound; that energy and the sleazy party vibe are definitely present. Vocalist Don Cobra sort of reminds me of Sebastian Bach, although that might be based more on the band photo than it is on the actual sound.
This collection of songs demonstrates a fairly modern production quality, where everything sounds very crisp and clear — the rhythm guitar tracks are panned and EQ’d enough to allow the drums and bass plenty of room to really shine, which they definitely do. Then, each song presents some fantastic guitar solos. In this respect I am also reminded of Poison, in that they have songs that are fairly simple and catchy, with sing-along choruses and not a whole lot of depth or complexity, but then the lead guitar is played with excellent skill and finesse.
If you’re a fan of any of the 80’s hair bands from the L.A. scene, and you wish that sound was still alive today, you’ll definitely be happy to check out what’s coming out of South Africa with L.A. Cobra!
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I hope you enjoyed this post – please feel free to share your opinion in the comments below! Until next week… if you happen to stumble across something you’d like to share (or if you are in a band and are trying to get your music heard), just write to me at my Signmeto “scout” page. Thanks for reading!
Valley of Steel 