Having been introduced to Cobra Starship (aka Midtown vocalist/bassist Gabe Saporta) through the ridiculously catchy "Bring It (Snakes on a Plane)" from summer 2006's horror-comedy Snakes on a Planes, who could blame one for thinking the band something of a joke? The dance-pop song was almost the perfect balance of unabashed fun, absurdity, and catchiness, but it still seemed like a one-off novelty, not to mention a total shock to those familiar with Saporta through his work with Midtown. What could an entire full-length from Cobra Starship actually sound like? Lucky for everyone, Saporta was smart enough to realize these doubts going in, evidenced by the opening track on While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets, which asks, "Can you hear me now/That I'm dumbing myself down?/Is it filling you with doubt that I am who you thought?" Saporta seemingly knows this is all a bit ridiculous, but who cares when it's this fun? The sparse, acoustic song ends fittingly with "It's time to get faded because I can't think anymore." The album then launches into its main attraction of exuberant dance-ock that's shamelessly fun enough to loosen up a packed mosh pit of tight jeans and Chucks, yet smart enough amid all the raging hormones, shallowness, and sweaty grooves to not completely lose itself under the sparkling lights of excess. After all, the album is surprisingly controlled at times, complementing the over-the-top demeanor elsewhere. So where "The Church of Hot Addiction" is all power riffing and egocentric dance beats proclaiming, "Tonight I am the drug you can't deny/G A B E gonna get you high," the mellow synths of "The Kids Are All Fucked Up" provide space for post-party reflection. Other tracks, like the Ted Leo co-write "Keep It Simple" and even "Pop Punk Is Sooooo '05" (which could very well pass as a remixed Midtown song), keep the album grounded instead of flying away under the example of "Bring It." A knowing wink from Saporta underlies the entire affair, and he never comes off as sardonic or superior to his audience -- pretty impressive considering the MySpace pop-punk generation has something of a giant target attached to its back. Cobra Starship is truly about having a good time, oblivious to the scene police or external troubles. Taking its title literally, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets embodies both the giddy highs and winding-down lows that come from a carefree night out on the town with friends. It's nothing more and nothing less. But that's just fine -- that's really all it wants to be anyway.
GAH!!! This concert is beginning to stress me out. I live in a desolate hole on the very edge of the cultural universe (although we did get the Reverend Horton Heat and Big Head Todd and the Monsters within two weeks of each other, which was a bonus). Everything I want to see only hits Denver. At least mostly. So that's four hours. Or five for those of us damned to the dog-mobile (i.e. Gre...
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So! I'm going with Kelly and Tisha to see Cobra Starship in February! On the 20th! And it's going to be awesome!In fact, February 16-20 is going to be great. February 16 and 17 is PETE YORN. February 20 is Cobra Starship. And in March, we have Paolo to celebrate.HOWEVER.February 20. PETE WENTZ?! MAYBE?!If he shows up, I will die so much in my pants, you don't even know.PS. Boys Like Gi...
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"Keep It Simple" is such a cool tune. It's got a cool rhythm guitar part...it just flows really really smooth.
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So! I'm going with Kelly and Tisha to see Cobra Starship in February! On the 20th! And it's going to be awesome!In fact, February 16-20 is going to be great. February 16 and 17 is PETE YORN. February 20 is Cobra Starship. And in March, we have Paolo to celebrate.HOWEVER.February 20. PETE WENTZ?! MAYBE?!If he shows up, I will die so much in my pants, you don't even know.PS. Boys Like Gi...
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well i must say i really think that cobra starship has aquired too much fame at such a little time. so much that even the wierd scene kids at my school like them. i know crazy right. but i also have a confession to make i am starting to not like gabe. he just kinda comes off as self centered now this could be the farthest from truth but i comes off at that. when i met gabe he was very nics and ...
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Just let me ask you:Hey, have you heard of my religion?It's called the Church of Hot AddictionAnd we believe that God has lust for everythingBecause now,The time has come for your devotionAnd you already got a notionOf what I needSo give it, just give it,Just give it to meYou're willing,I'm waiting.Turn out the lightsThe Church of Hot Addiction-Cobra StarshipI first heard this group eons ago. w...
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"Keep It Simple" is such a cool tune. It's got a cool rhythm guitar part...it just flows really really smooth.
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GAH!!! This concert is beginning to stress me out. I live in a desolate hole on the very edge of the cultural universe (although we did get the Reverend Horton Heat and Big Head Todd and the Monsters within two weeks of each other, which was a bonus). Everything I want to see only hits Denver. At least mostly. So that's four hours. Or five for those of us damned to the dog-mobile (i.e. Gre...
More >
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 "While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets")
