Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 1/18/11
This EP is nothing short of a barnburner and quite the Fat Wreck Chords debut for Cobra Skulls. Each song is more than memorable and this material easily supersedes almost all of what the band has done prior. Every track is layered, well-executed and plainly kicks ass. “Doomsday Parade” is a punchy, rhythmic number that employs a distinct chord progression and lyrics involving political and social unrest in Africa. It’s also the sort of song that would probably illicit plenty of crowd movement and participation in a live setting. “ICE in the Night” is a sunny-sounding rockabilly tune that deals with immigration, while “Hot Sand” uses giant riffs and a Clash-like vibe to talk about the media’s questionable reporting of America’s wars. “Give You Nothing” is a straightforward and honorable Bad Religion cover, and “Life In Vain”, the fifth and final entry, is a poppy ditty that’s possibly the best of the bunch. It’s a bouncy love song that laments a failed relationship and utilizes ska undertones, loads of sweet backing vocals and one hell of an infectious hook to get the job done. Potential listeners should not hesitate in purchasing Bringing the War Home. It contains zero filler and makes a strong case for Cobra Skulls likely ascending to become one of Fat’s bigger mainstay bands of the future.
