Kobra – Confusione 12’’ (Iron Lung 2020)

Debut Lp by this four piece from Milan, Italy. I’ve been corresponding with Giacomo, who sings and plays guitar in this band, for a number of years, which might make this review somewhat biased. If that’s the case, please forgive your humble reviewer, but also know that objectivity is a positivist chimera.

This 12” is an interesting record. Kobra’s lyrics are all in Italian and the band is clearly influenced by classic Italian hardcore outfits most notable in the vocal department. ‘Confusione’ however is more than an hommage to former greats. The drumming is ferocious, the snare loud making the songs sharp-edged. Although the mix is a bit muddy, the shrill riffs and the vocals come through properly over the overbearing drums throughout the record. The vocals are far from sung. There’s no melody to them at all. Kobra’s singer reproachfully dishes out his lyrics in a way not unlike Shiva Adanki in Kaleidoscope be it with a little more detachment. All songs are jagged, but the band has no problems shifting pace in between tracks. Some of these tunes are fairly traditional hardcore compositions, others are slow brooding jams. A haunting and howling saxophone is heard on a couple of tracks. The title track brings to mind ‘Grim Reaper’ by Siege and might be a subtle nod to the Brainbombs as well. It’s a killer tune.

What the lyrics are about, what Kobra wants to get across is largely a mystery to me. Unfortunately I do not speak Italian beyond: ‘Prego’ and ‘uno espresso, per favore.’ However some song titles aren’t hard to translate and the internet is one’s friend when in need of help on this front. After thorough research I found out song titles include: ‘Confusion’, ‘No future’, ‘Sewer’ and ‘Combat’, fairly typical punk topics that can be addressed in many ways. The Iron Lung bandcamp mentions anarcho influences and the artwork gives off that vibe as well. The cover art is recognizable and timeless, which is cool. Free association leads me down corridors hung with anarchist linocuts picturing broken chains and cigar smoking fat business men. I’m also reminded of the Anarka and Poppy demo. As a proper punk with slight anarchist sympathies I’d loved to know what the words here express. This record is bound to be political. Unfortunately the lyrics are only included in Italian, which leaves non-Italians such as myself guessing. What can you do?

All-in all ‘Confusione’ is an interesting hardcore 12” that’s not afraid of taking chances and doesn’t shun experimentation. There’s no particular band Kobra brings to mind and that is exactly what they seem to have aimed for. This makes ‘Conusione’ a grower, a record that demands several listens to fully sink in. Even if that doesn’t make one a convert to these guys’ music, one would be hard pressed to deny Kobra is doing a thing of their own, which is far too rare in hardcore punk these days if you ask me. Word on the street is a second 12” will be released later in 2022.

Hear it here: https://kobrapunx.bandcamp.com/album/confusione