Cobra Man: “Expect mayhem.” (5/13 at Underground Arts)

There are a lot of big concerts this Saturday night in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, but I seriously doubt that anyone else will be able...

There are a lot of big concerts this Saturday night in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, but I seriously doubt that anyone else will be able to bring the party quite like LA-based Power Disco 7-piece, Cobra Man, led by Andy Harry and Sarah Rayne, who seem to fuse disco with classic rock, post-punk, and noise pop into a delectably destructive amalgam of dance club decadence.  I recently got a chance to chat with both Andy and Sarah about just what can be expected…

Izzy Cihak: You’ve been on the road for more than a week now.  How have these shows been going so far?  Any particular highlights?  I imagine your crowds make for pretty memorable nights.

Andy Harry:  The shows have been wild, and I’m stoked to see everybody having a good time.  Denver was incredible.  The PA cut out and the crowd chanted all of “Toxic Planet” and apparently someone took a full-grown adult shit on the dance floor.  Never seen that before.  I guess it’s a good sign?

Sarah Rayne: A few shows in we started to get really comfortable and not think up there, just feel it.  There’s a beautiful reflection that happens with our crowds and it’s impossible not to have a good time.

Izzy: What can be expected when you play Underground Arts Saturday?  You’ve gained a reputation for your live show, which I am so bummed I had to miss the last time you played there.

Andy: Philly is somewhat of a hometown show for me, as my whole family lives there, so you can expect a sick one.  We love Underground Arts.

Sarah: Expect mayhem.

Izzy: You’re on the road with Starbenders and Stolen Nova, who are also super cool.  How is it being on the road with them and getting to see and hang with them every day?

Andy: They’re all straight pros and lovely to have on the tour.

Sarah: We’ve really enjoyed getting to know them and see them perform every night.  So much talent and such wonderful people, too.

Izzy: This August you’re going to be playing Outside Lands.  Are there any other acts you’re especially excited to get to see?

Andy: I’m stoked for Donny Benet.  Most underrated dance artist out there.  He’s a lot like me where it’s sort of a self-produced, play-all-the-instruments vibe.  He’s an incredible bass player and nails the timeless thing.

Sarah: Zach Fox, Janelle Monáe, and can’t wait to see Donny.

Izzy: You recently released “Thin Ice,” your first single of the year.  How did that particular track come about?

Andy: It popped into my head one morning and I sent Tom Mull a voice memo singing it.  That’s pretty much how it is on the recording.  I wrote the song in a couple hours and took some time to work out the lyrics with Sarah and Bonnie, but the idea was there from the start.  Love it when that happens.

Izzy: Finally, in addition to your music, you have a fucking amazing sense of fashion.  Is there anything you’d especially like to see fans wear out to your show to hopefully match your vibe?

Andy: Whenever I see a few manramps floating around I know it’ll be a good night.

Sarah: I love seeing people in sequins.  We have super attractive fans.

*Get your tickets here.

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Band InterviewsLive EventsMusic

During the day Izzy Cihak teaches transgression, subversion, and revolution at Temple University. At night he haunts Philthy's best venues to cover worthwhile acts for Philthy Mag. Morrissey is everything to him and, in their own heads, all of his friends see themselves as Zooey Deschanel.

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