FRICTION NYC

The Cobbs

The Cobbs have become one of my favorite live acts in the city ever since seeing them for the first time this summer at one of Philadelphia Weekly’s outdoor jams at Rittenhouse Square. The five-piece lead by Paul and Ryan Cobb (not actually related) played a solid all Philly bill on Friday night at Johnny Brenda’s with Cowmuddy and (the recently returned to Philly) Blood Feathers.

I’ve seen the unsigned act at various venues in Philly and New York, but on Friday night The Cobbs brought the fucking roof down at Johnny Brenda’s. A combination of JB’s sound system and an incredibly tight garage-psych inspired set by The Cobbs made braving the cold that night a wise choice. A perfect “first” show to kick off the New Year. This is one of the best live acts in Philadelphia.

Paul and Ryan have been making music in one form or another since high school under the monikers “The Trip,” “Ty Cobb,” and “Mad Action.” For their most recent project, the duo teamed up with members of Philly’s “Bombs” which included bassist Maxwell Lee, drummer Chris Coello, and guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Smith to form The Cobbs. Their debut record, Sing the Deathcapades, a combination of garage and psych rock was self-released in 2006. The band got some good press over the summer when they took their live act on the road supporting Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on some of their U.S. dates.

Not sure what The Cobbs have up their sleeves in regards to upcoming releases, but those of you living in/around Philadelphia should be sure to catch them live on January 25th with a slew of other kick ass Philly bands. But, I’m sure I didn’t have to tell you that. Check out the sleazy and stomping “Say You Never Knew Me” below along with the video for “Smile,” and head over to the band’s MySpace page for the dream psych track “Lift,” one of my favorite recorded tracks from The Cobbs.

[MP3]: The Cobbs  ”Say You Never Knew Me”
Sing the Deathcapades, Self-Released; 2006