Cobra Khan - Gig Review - Valve Bar, 8 Sep 07
01 Oct 2007 // A review by CEOMong
A fantastically speedy and non-stop act that had both wifey and myself on our feet rocking out. Before the band cranked up, I wondered what value the keyboard would add. The next 30 minutes gave me the answer – Sarah on keyboard lent the performance strength and continuity through lulls, coaxing more melody than I thought would be possible from the complex anthems rocked out by the band. Thoroughly enjoyable, the band seemed to fully enjoy themselves almost as much as we did. The band have a very strong bond which was very self-evident through their on-stage communication and obviously well-rehearsed set. The only negative I found was the locals were a bit timid at first, despite repeated requests from Milon they remained as centurions for the first few songs before getting into the rhythm. Cobra Khan finished with a rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Sabbra Cadabra” – one of the finest Sabbath covers I have ever heard. Wifey loved them, especially the catchy sing-along choruses, sweet melodies, and tight riffs. Cobra Khan are excellent and not to be missed if you have the chance to see them.
About Cobra Khan
Cobra Khan’s emergence from the wreckage of New Zealand hard hitters Sommerset, Day One and Balance has been as well documented as the amount of thrashing the tracks from their mini album Sleepless Lions received since its release in 2006. They’ve played shows big and small over the last few years, building on the live reputation of their previous endeavours.
Disinterested in retreading old ground and playing to the conventions of whichever guitar-oriented crowd you’re most likely to lump them into, on their first full-length album Cobra Khan have sidestepped genre restrictions and audience expectations alike to make Helgorithms - an album that brings all manner of influences to bear. After key writer Milon Williams immersed himself in his favourite records before writing Helgorithms. The band has surprised even themselves with the finished product, a sentiment sure to be shared by those hearing it upon release.
Various reference points will present themselves throughout the album, some obvious, and others less so, with Cobra Khan shifting gears with ease on a record that remains cohesive throughout and exudes a quiet confidence and depth that entices on subsequent listens.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Cobra Khan