It’s quite a solid assumption that 99% of this site’s readers are familiar with Kobra Paige from her metal band Kobra and the Lotus. After a four year hiatus from the music scene, Paige returned with her first solo project, releasing a number of singles prior to the release of Like No Other. Those expecting to hear another album of Kobra and the Lotus will likely be a bit stunned and/or disappointed, but fans of what Paige can do behind the mic will be shocked in other ways – namely the wide variety that encompasses Like No Other, which seems to embody the term passion project.
While some of the cuts do tend to remind this scribe of Kobra and the Lotus at their best, Paige doesn’t relegate herself to their sound, let alone that of metal music. Instead, she moves gracefully across musical genres track by track, leading listeners along by the sound of her unmistakable vocals. Bringing fans in gently, “Under One Son” is more of a familiar sound, in the rock/metal hybrid KatL executed well, focusing more on the melodic touches than the heavy ones. “Love What I Hate” swerves more into hard rock with a side of pop territory, building itself up like it could likely be a big radio hit given the exposure. “HOTT” is likely the biggest left-turn on the album in some ways, diving into some full-on electronic and dance party vibes, aiming into some very catchy pop territory though admittedly with some stronger lyrical content behind it. Likewise, “It’s Not Bluegrass Anymore” has a strong country/Americana feeling to it that her vocals work surprisingly well with.
Adding to the eclectic nature of the album, “Freedom” shows Paige moving into more bluesy rhythms and hooks, only to end the album on an almost industrial edge with the instrumental “Genesis.” The tender “Thank You” showcases a more subdued Paige, who really soars with the light accompaniment and genuinely sweet lyrics. Likewise, “Dreamer” aims for a similar sweet spot with a more power in the chorus. If it seems like most of the tracks have been mentioned at this point, sans the short instrumentals, it’s because there’s really a wealth of diversity to the album and no track really repeats the same road as the one before it.
It’s fantastic to finally hear Kobra Paige behind the mic again. It’s immediately clear upon listening to Like No Other that she poured all of herself into the music. The energy and passion behind it not only showcases how well she can adapt to different musical outlets, but how much creativity she has to offer the scene. It’s a courageous move to step away from what could have offered a safe release cemented in rock/metal, and Like No Other is an inspired result because of it.