OK COBRA MAKE VALIANT COME BACK TO RAP WITH DELIRIUM TREMENS

The OK Cobra story is a bit of a lurid one. Though one shouldn’t expect much less from Fritz Tha Cat. The notorious gonzo-rap journalist known as much for his drunken late night escapades as for his musical accolades – namely his highly respectable defunct ‘zine In Search of Divine Styler and his long-running Vice Magazine column (ending in the early 2000’s). Yet, the group OK Cobra is where Fritz finds his true passion. Combined with production partner Recordface – the duo return after a 3-year hiatus with their sophomore follow-up to the acclaimed self-titled debut with URBNET Records – their opus – Delirium Tremens.

Confused by the title? If you’re straight edge you’d most likely be – but the idea is essentially the root of OK’s concept. Delirium is a brand of Belgium beer, but it’s also the medical term for severe alcohol withdrawal – concept that lurks under the surface of much the album. Their debut, a self-proclaimed ‘shot in the dark’ by the group was a strong indie-hip-hop effort, charting extremely well on Canadian radio. The second go around find the duo in completely different realms of creativity. While Recordface has spent the off-time incessantly recording and mixing music for films, Fritz wandered to the edges of his own psyche – and grappled with the repercussions.

Before retreating back to their Montreal studio, a space Fritz would stagger to via plane, train, bus, motorhome or thumb, he’d need to combat a few dangerous liaisons first. A hazy period where he’d romanced his lion share of intoxicants, living out of unpacked boxes, drifting in time, hanging out with Schoolly D and to his own account – maybe getting engaged to a fleeting love interest. All bittersweet fodder that makes for the foundation of Delirium Tremens – like a notepad in the mind of a roaming lush.

Album that musically structures Recordface’s beat-big approach to heavy hip-hop production to Fritz’s booming swagger – a lot of dimensions of their character are covered here. Kind of like the phases of an addict, passing thru a range of emotions. Downtrodden to crazy-happy, contemplative and curious to straight confrontational. At 14 songs deep, this is the group’s life story. Two kids from London, Ontario – surrounded by the inspiration of Megadeth to MF Doom, NWA to 900 Ft. Jesus. On the surface a return to their craft, when explored further – a serious letter from the dark side to green pastures.
Tour Dates: OK Cobra + The Leathers Cross Canada Tour
Oct 07: The Underdog – Peterborough ON
Oct 08: Babylon – Ottawa, ON
Oct 09: Loft Party – Montreal, QC
Oct 11: The Paramount – Moncton, NB
Oct 12: Gus’ Pub – Halifax NS
Oct 21: The Bar – Marathon ON
Oct 22: Jack’s – Thunder Bay ON
Oct 27: Ottoman Lounge – Medicine Hat, AB
Oct 28: Henotic Restaurant – Lethbridge, AB
Oct 29: Likwid Lounge – Edmonton, AB
Oct 31: The Warehouse – Calgary AB
Nov 04: Voodoo’s – Penticton, BC
Nov 09: The Modern – Vancouver BC
Nov 10: Lucky Bar – Victoria BC
Nov 12: The Media Club – Vancouver BC