Cobra Starship @ Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, 9th February 2010
Playing Wolverhampton’s Slade rooms as part of their ‘Hot Mess across the Eu-Niverse’ tour to promote their third album, New York’s Cobra Starship have created a bit of a stir amongst the UK’s Gossip Girl generation. By the time the band finally took to the stage, the crowd had whipped themselves up into a frenzy, the girls chanting and singing and the boys play-fighting and running around at the back like kids at a family disco.
Opening with ‘The City is at War’ singer Gabe Saporta had everyone in the palm of his hand — although literally it was the other round as he flung himself into the audience straight away – and this energy continued for the whole set. Although the vocals were muddy (a shame, as co-vocalist Victoria Asher was barely heard) the drums and keyboard sounded crystal clear and lifted tracks like ’Kiss My Sass’ beyond their immediate cheeky-teenager vibe.
Taking some time out for some playful banter with band mates and the audience, Saporta never left it too long before launching himself into yet another fast-paced, melodic tune which the band delivered in a raw, punky way which added an extra edge to their pop sound.
By the time the band played their first single from Hot Mess, ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ at the end of their fast and furious set it was a wonder that the crowd had any energy left, but they kept up the momentum and enthusiasm throughout the gig and well afterwards.
SETLIST
The City is at War
Smash it Up
Nice Guys Finish Last
Kiss my Sass
My Moves are White (White Hot that Is)
Wet Hot American Summer
The Church of Hot Addiction
Send my Love to the Dancefloor, I’ll See You in Hell (Hey Mister DJ)
Smile for the Paparazzi
Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)
Hot Mess
Guilty Pleasure
Bright Lights
Good Girls Go Bad
Review Angela Slater
Photos John Colson