Les Savy Fav- The Cat And The Cobra  (Self Starter Foundation/French Kiss) In some mad scientist’s lab, a genetic experiment was conducted by melding the DNA of both the Nation Of Ulysses and Brainiac. The result? Les Savy Fav, who proceed to wreck havoc upon everything they come in contact with over the course of The Cat And The Cobra. And it’s splendid (so maybe that scientist wasn’t so mad after all). Compared to the band’s last full length, 3/5, their latest offering is like an atomic bomb to a bottle rocket: this packs more punch by leaps and bounds. The yelping, skittery art-punk of “We’ve Got Boxes” and “Wake Up!” nods to Fugazi and Gang Of Four, while “This Incentive” could pass for a more-fun Blonde Redhead. On the hyperactive “Who Rocks The Party”, Tim Harrington shrieks “Fuck the champagne, we want gin!” during his incendiary tale of country club sabotage, broken chandeliers and all. It’s the perfect analogy for Les Savy Fav’s  brand of rollercoaster post-hardcore: it might not be pretty, but it’s fun as hell.  (erika)      [back]