LTKF Reviewed DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

As an avid lover of both Punk rock and vinyl, I would argue that one would be hard-pressed to tap into that niche better than our good friends at DCxPC Live now presenting Moat Cobra DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1

They have been issuing a series of live performances on vinyl by punk, hardcore, and metal bands since 2021. Happy to report that I’ve been able to snag a few on the way, seeing as how they sell out rather quickly! Indeed, DCxPC is an invaluable resource for discovering new underground/DIY/Independent music as well as hearing exclusive performances by bands you are might already be a fan of.

With many more volumes of the live vinyl series scheduled for release throughout this year and next, they’re releasing the FIRST of a new vinyl series on July 14th featuring hardcore heavy hitters Moat Cobra. What makes this a “Volume One” in the catalog you ask? It’s the first in DCxPC’s newest format titled, “Live & Dead.”

Side A of the record being the “Live” side (what we’ve grown to know and love about DCxPC) and Side B of the record being the “Dead” side, I.E., studio recordings. I am personally stoked about this new format, as I think it’s an ultimate way to showcase the depth of an artist. Not only does it convey the energy these bands put into live performances, but it also provides the listener with another level of perspective being able to hear the studio adaptations.

Moat Cobra is a great band to kick that series off with, as their hybrid of hardcore punk and sludge metal transcends that energy brilliantly in both formats. The first single and previously unreleased song, “Devour (Live)” hits the streaming services July 14th, the very same day that pre-orders for the vinyl open up!

One thing I love about ordering vinyl from DCxPC is the way they raffle off classic records to sweeten the deal. In previous releases, they have raffled off corresponding volumes of the VML series in which they were inspired by.

With the Moat Cobra release, they’ll be raffling off the band’s favorite live album: nonother than beloved PNW hardcore legends Botch, and the Live Recording of their final show titled “Botch 061502.” Needless to say, I’ll be keeping a close eye out for that pre-order date to get my hands on this record and an opportunity to be in that raffle! As I mentioned before, these records do tend to sell out and there were only 200 pressed for this release, so keep it on the radar!

On to the record! The 12″-inch vinyl is comprised of 15 tracks. Side B includes 8 tracks from Moat Cobra’s pinnacle full-length album “Deimos,” and each one of those tracks have a corresponding live version on Side A.

“Devour” is the standout track to me, not only because it’s previously unreleased, but it piques my curiosity as to whether or not it’s a foreshadowing of more new music to come! The direction musically sounds like they are leaning heavily (pun intended) on the Thrash Metal ethos of their sound. Bouncing back and forth between pulsating double bass and blast beats, the mid-range false chord screams have a cadence that reminds me of Slayer.

Yet, the track still possesses moments of underlying crowd-killing rhythms that remind me of heavier hardcore punk bands like Knocked Loose and, as the band would cite as influence, Botch. Others have described the band’s unique sound as “Sludge” or “Swamp” Metal, which I totally agree with. The guitar licks are deliciously filthy, and I am totally here for it.

Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Moat Cobra are:

• Brett Beavers (vocals)

• Al Serrano (drums

• Dave Moreno (guitar)

• Robert Oppenheimer (bass)

Of particular notability for the band, they are consistently nominated for Best Metal Band in Orlando 3 years running in the Orlando Weekly publication. Give the guys a vote HERE! Winners are to be announced in August. Best wishes and good luck to the band from us here at #LT1KF!

The live performances were recorded at Uncle Lou’s in Orlando on 04-22-22. Mixing and Mastering was engineered by Joshua Dobbs at Danger Room Recording Studios. Cover design by Jessica Hadas

Don’t forget to support this project and follow Moat Cobra on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, SoundCloud, YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify.   You can also visit their official website.  If you enjoy their music and can provide monetary support, you might consider downloading it on Bandcamp.

It also helps to stream and share their music; you can find it in the following Playlists: Less Than 1,000 Followers, Sickest & Dopest, Unknown But Essentials!, Hot Stuff Metal, and Only Punk.

Remember that you can always find me here AMS Radio for all my social media and collaborations.  P.S. If you enjoy discovering new artists and brand-new music, subscribe to this blog Less Than 1,000 Followers, and follow the Playlist with all the artists we have presented here!

If you enjoy this track don’t forget to give it + when you’re on Spotify and add it to your favorite playlist, this little action not only saves the track on your music library but also will help the artist, you know that the name of the game for us is “support”, thank you!!!