September 21st, 2019 - The Evolution Of Tropical DNA

Hello and happy Saturday!  The Meista here today pairing a tasty Tropical DNA India Pale Ale from Green Flash Brewing Company and "Evolution", the brand-spanking-new, kickass album from the amazing Kobra And The Lotus!

Album Info:

• Artist: Kobra And The Lotus
• Title: "Evolution" 
• Recorded: November 2018 through January 2019
• Release date: September 20th, 2019 (6th studio album by Kobra And The Lotus)
• Record company: Napalm Records
• Production:Elvis Baskette
• Album cover art: Travis Smith
• Personnel: Ronny Gutierrez (guitars), Brad Kennedy (bass), Jasio Kulakowski (guitars), Marcus Lee (drums), and Kobra Paige (vocals and piano)
• Musical style: Heavy metal, power metal, hard rock, alternative rock with elements of thrash metal, power pop, and symphonic metal
• Sound: Like all of their albums, the sound on "Evolution" is massive... expressive, complex, soaring, and totally rocking!  Kulakowski is fast becoming one of my favorite guitar players!  Along with new member, guitarist Gutierrez, he is versatile, charismatic, and precise while still laying down some fiery fast, aggressive fret work!  There are an abundance of great riffs and hooks!  Kennedy and Lee are a thunderous juggernaut of rhythm and might!  Live, these two are mesmerizing to watch... especially Lee... an amazing live drummer!  And what can I say about Kobra's incredible voice that hasn't already been said?  She embodies the might and power of Rob Halford, the range of Dio, and the beauty of Ann Wilson!  I cannot get enough of this album!!
• Major themes: Life, relationships, regret, self-destruction, anger, love, loss, isolation, pain, perseverance, heroism, hope, etc. 
• Tracks:   

1. "Evodem"
2. "Evolution"
3. "Burn!"
4. "We Come Undone"
5. "Wounds"
6. "Thundersmith"
7. "Circus"
8. "Wash Away"
9. "Liar"
10. "Get The Fuck Out Of Here"
11. "In The End"

 Brew Info:

• Brewery: Green Flash Brewing Company (San Diego, California)
• Website: 
• Brew: Tropical DNA India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 7.0% 
• IBUs: 
• Ingredients: 
• Pour: The Tropical DNA pours a very hazy golden-yellow with a firm, foamy 1+ finger, bright white head with great sustain and lots of sticky, sudsy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is a blend of citrus, tropical fruit, sweet malt, and light earthiness.  There are aromas of peach, mango, fresh orange juice, ripe melon, grapefruit rind, soft caramel, and light herbal tea.
• Taste: The taste of the Tropical DNA follows the nose with lots of hop-forward citrus, tropical fruit, malt, and peppery flavors.  There are notes of big pineapple up front and then tangerine, pink grapefruit, orange peel, mango, a hint of black tea, soft caramel, and light black pepper.
• Mouthfeel: Medium in body and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel of the Tropical DNA is very crisp, slightly tart, slightly bitter, yet refreshing and very drinkable with a clean, somewhat dry, and slightly bitter finish. 

Overall pairing: The Green Flash Tropical DNA is a very punchy and fruity, yet complex and delicious concoction... much like Kobra And The Lotus' "Evolution"!  Both are demand your full attention from the opening notes!  Both are wonderfully engaging!  And both kick ass!  And if you get the chance to see Kobra And The Lotus... GO!!  This band should be so much bigger than they are right now!

Cheers!!  Hails!!