King Cobra S/T

THE KING COBRA'S self-titled debut hisses, trills, and grinds in an epic sweep -- from prog to no-wave to metal to found-sound artscape -- through six songs of histrionic anti-gravity. Kwo's squalling guitar, Rachel Carns' portentous drums, and Tara Jane O'Neil's precision bass descend like demon spawn from the cliffs, launching sonic assaults that are at once shocking and resonant. Add shape-shifting vocals, improbable timing, creepy organ, and bold harmonic rejoinders, and you have the makings of an amazing first record. Bassist Tara Jane O'Neil is a former member of Rodan, Retsin, and The Sonora Pine, as well as a revered solo artist and illustrator. Drummer Rachel Carns was previously in The Need and Kicking Giant and has been an electric presence in independent music for nearly a decade. (She's also a graphic artist and notable composer, penning the scores to groundbreaking rock opera The Transfused and Dr. Frockrocket.)