So KOBRA AND THE LOTUS have a new album out now called Evolution, their third for Napalm Records. Anyone who heard the last two, Prevail I and Prevail II, know damn well that this band was channeling greatness on every level. Hell, “Manifest Destiny” is still in heavy rotation not only at A&GS HQ, but on Mini-Amps’ music listening device. Kobra Paige is one of THE best vocalists on this Earth, that is simply not up for discussion, and on this new disc she flexes her muscles mightily. I’ve only been lucky enough to see the band once in 2014, but even then I was blown away by her voice. The band around Kobra is tight as a drum, and they are a well-oiled machine when it comes to playing together, something this record truly showcases.
Songs like “We Come Undone” and “Burn!” are perfect examples of how this band’s music can be different, yet the same. The former is more of a metal stomp, while the latter gets into some hard rock territory a la SKILLET. That’s not a knock, I happen to love them. Yet both tunes are 100% KATL. And speaking of metal, “Evolution” has those riffs that make you want to headbang for days. “Wounds” is an interesting listen because you really don’t know where it’s headed for the first minute, then it turns into one of the album’s most anthemic tracks. And on the subject of anthems, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one than “Thundersmith.” That fucker will get stuck in your head for days!
“Circus” is very much an empowerment song, which is always good. The world needs more of those, right? Plus it boasts the best guitar solo on the record and it takes an epic turn in the second half. And can we discuss “Get the Fuck Out of Here”??? This is a killer track that simply must be played at every and any show in this band’s future moving forward. And I mean that seriously, Boo. Closer “In the End” takes care of business in heavy fashion with some tasty guitar work and Kobra’s amazing vocals, of course.
Look, at the end of the day this is a great record. I know some of you critics are bitching about the more hard rock turn the band has embraced on some of these tracks, but guess what? They don’t care. I don’t care. Because variety is the spice of life. And if a band can’t grow and change six albums into their career, then it just gets boring. KOBRA AND THE LOTUS are still making great music after a decade together, that’s a fact. And live they will blow your doors off. The title of the new album says it all. There’s an Evolution in their sound. Get onboard, or be cast aside…simple as that.
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Thundersmith”, “Get the Fuck Out of Here”, “Wounds”, “We Come Undone”, “Evolution”, “Burn!”
RATING: 9/10
Bad ass