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So one year after releasing ‘Prevail I’, Kobra And The Lotus are back with the concluding part of the story, the cunningly titled ‘Prevail II’. Over the last few years, the Canadians have grown and developed into a fine hard rock band, one who in all honesty should be on bigger stages than they currently are. The entire ‘Prevail’ project is obviously a labour of love, and part two continues where part one left off last year. It takes guts to release two albums in a short space of time, but when the material is as strong as this, it makes sense. Why sit on songs for a few years when you can put them out there for everyone to enjoy?
‘Prevail II’ is a natural progression for Kobra And The Lotus, the hard rock/metal hybrid sound continues to work incredibly well. The band take the brakes off on opener ‘Losing My Humanity’, and the breakneck ‘You’re Insane’, where drummer Marcus Lee crushes his kit, and Jasio Kulakowski unleashes some windmill inspiring riffs. The metal shines through as Kobra And The Lotus pay homage to their influences on ‘Modern Day Hero’; a classic guitar sound throughout, and a wonderful, reigned in vocal performance from Kobra Paige. Her vocals are the perfect learning tool for any budding rock vocalist out there, as well as some current vocalists who feel the need to over-sing. There’s no need to go for the extra few notes every time. Like a good cuppa, a song needs to brew. Fill it full of over-stretched notes and Jessie J vocal gymnastics then it becomes a shit cup of tea. Paige shows restraint, a rare commodity these days.Opener ‘Losing My Humanity’ mashes up the perfect concoction to keep everyone happy, heavy enough to get the dandruff flying, and melodic enough not to scar those that like their music less harsh. ‘Let Me Love You’ is that rare breed of songs, a powerful slice of music that manages to be both heavy and catchy at the same time. ‘My Immortal’ slows the pace down a notch or two, but the powerful work from the big fella Marcus Lee helps give it some oomph. Along with the atmospheric and elegant ‘White Water’, it’s the rare example of Kobra And The Lotus taking their collective feet off the gas. The polar opposite of slowing things down is the majestic ‘Fallen Empire’. The best compliment that I can pay it is that I could imagine Rob Halford singing parts of this. Imagine Halford singing something like ‘Painkiller’ in a lower tone… bingo!
As well as excelling during the heavier moments, Kobra And The Lotus prove that they can produce a killer slice of commercial hard rock. ‘Heartache’ is glorious; a simple, catchy chorus that is easy to sing along to, coupled with some lovely chugging riffs and a face melting solo. It ticks all the boxes. The cover of ‘The Chain’ is almost unrecognisable at first as the Fleetwood Mac classic. Totally re-imagined, it’s shorter and without the Formula One bass heavy mid section. It’ll take a few listens to grow on you, but stick with it. Closing out the album is an acoustic version of ‘Let Me Love You’. Chilled and mellow, with an ethereal vocal performance from Kobra Paige, which, along with the instrumental ‘Ribe’, showcases the diversity within the band. Interested in how Kobra And The Lotus will follow up the ‘Prevail’ albums. Balls to the wall metal album perhaps? A full on acoustic album? Who knows, but for now, there is enough depth and quality on both parts to keep listening to them for some time. Available now on Napalm Records. Review: Dave Header photo credit: Nat Enemede Photography Live images: Rob Wilkins ]]>
