less experimental material...

hey, just stumbled across a review of the OK Cobra album at the cyberkrib...



After a lengthy tenure as the hip-hop scribe at Vice magazine, now Montreal-based Fritz the Cat returns as a recording artist as part of OK Cobra. Partner Recordface provides the beat soundscape for the ten (plus one bonus interlude) tracks that Fritz raps over with guest appearances from Mindbender, Vangel, and Jon Juan.

Squarely aimed at the Def Jux/Anticon/Rhyme Sayer-oriented audience, Fritz surprises with his skills on the mic, the subject matter tailored moreso towards the esoterica enjoyed by that particular listening segment. The beats are somewhat minimal, full of sharp stabs echoing electronic bleeps bolstered occasionally by a classic breakbeat groove. The project holds together as a complete venture as opposed to any standout songs. OK Cobra will be hard pressed to secure any commercial airplay, but it's likely that isn't the aim of this outfit.

Fritz's column in Vice was one of the longer running features of that periodical - after a self-imposed hiatus, he's back in the game, but on the other side - OK Cobra isn't for everyone and is challenging listening for those predisposed to less experimental material. For those so inclined though, OK Cobra may tie them over between projects from the aforementioned labels.