Cobra Starship
Live at Leeds Metropolitan University on Saturday, 6th February 2010
Spending the first few songs down in the photography pit area, it gave me a genuine idea just how strong the fan base for Cobra Starship is. Energised from the Power-Pop antics of support band Family Force 5, who'd made a definitive mark during their first visit to the UK, the audience were more than ready for the main act.
Sitting in front of the barrier, the chanting for the band got increasingly loud. Once they walked onto the stage; the screaming and shouting engulfed the entire room. This is a band returning to the UK after selling out their 2009 tour, whose career has escalated further with most recent hit 'Good Girls Go Bad' featuring Leighton Meester of popular American Drama 'Gossip Girl. Cobra Starship are on a rapid ascent.
From the first song, front man Gabe Saporta has the crowd transfixed, the interaction with the other members of the band and the audience meaning his energy is infectious and you can't help tapping a foot or joining in with a chorus. It's a bonus that the mix of Rock/Pop/Synth works well in a venue like Leeds Met, with it being reasonably small, the gig feels more intimate. Bassist Alex Suarez, drummer Nate Novarro and guitarist Ryland Blackinton are all talented musicians, but also hold the ability to play high quality music, whilst bantering with each other and the crowd. Victoria Asher, on the keys, adds a unique but complimentary vocal style to the songs, alongside Gabe.
Mixing older favourites such as 'Smile for the Paparazzi' and 'Guilty Pleasure', with the new, as yet unreleased tracks 'Hot Mess' and 'Wet Hot American Summer' really brings the mix of fans, both old and new, together. Exactly what Gabe wants after he says 'It's about bringing all our fans together, from the ones who've heard us from the start, to those who just started liking us - we've all been at gigs where we've only known a couple of songs, we're all fans.' A true comment, leaving the audience nodding in agreement.
'Snakes On A Plane (Bring It)', arguably one of their trademark songs that helped lift Cobra Starship to the next level, brought in one of the biggest cheers and dance-a-longs of the night, with the centre of Leeds Met jumping in synchronisation to the band. The finale of 'Good Girls Go Bad' with Victoria stepping in for Leighton Meester's vocals finished off a truly successful night. With the release of new album 'Hot Mess' very soon, Cobra Starship are intending on taking over the world of music with their infectious beats and lyrics, which they have the drive and support to do.
