Cobra Strike II - Y, Y+B, X+Y
In the expansive and eclectic discography of the virtuoso guitarist Buckethead, few projects are as intriguing as Cobra Strike. Following the groundwork laid by their debut, the group returned in 2000 with Cobra Strike II - Y, Y+B, X+Y, a studio album that pushes the boundaries of experimental rock.
While the project maintains the core creative vision of Buckethead and DJ Disk, this second installment is distinguished by a completely different cast of supporting musicians, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group's sonic exploration.
Key Facts
- Artist: Cobra Strike (Buckethead side project)
- Release Year: 2000
- Genre: Experimental rock
- Total Length: 56 minutes and 10 seconds
- Label: ION
- Producers: Travis Dickerson and Buckethead
Creative Inspirations and Themes
The identity of Cobra Strike is deeply rooted in pop culture and gaming. The project's name was inspired by the 1983 video game G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike, a theme that extends to the album's visual presentation, which features cobras reminiscent of those found in the game.
Beyond the visuals, the music is a tapestry of references. The track "Yoshimitsu's Den" serves as a direct nod to the character Yoshimitsu from the Tekken series of fighting games, blending the world of gaming with avant-garde musical composition.
Musical Composition and Production
Musically, Cobra Strike II follows the trajectory of the group's first album, The 13th Scroll (1999). It is characterized by its experimental nature, blending rock elements with atmospheric soundscapes.
A defining feature of the album is the integration of cinematic sound samples. The producers utilized audio from several films to enhance the mood, most notably incorporating samples from El Topo in the tracks "Desert" and "First Master," as well as samples from Phantasm in the track "The Funeral."
The album was recorded across two primary locations: TDRS Music and Buckethead's Coop, ensuring a blend of professional studio polish and the artist's personal creative environment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2000 |
| Genre | Experimental Rock |
| Runtime | 56:10 |
| Label | ION |
| Preceded By | The 13th Scroll (1999) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary members of Cobra Strike?
The project is a side venture of Buckethead and features DJ Disk, though the supporting musicians vary between albums.
What is the genre of Cobra Strike II?
The album is classified as experimental rock.
Where did the name "Cobra Strike" originate?
The name was inspired by the 1983 video game G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike.
Which movies are sampled on the album?
The album features sound samples from the films El Topo and Phantasm.
What is the significance of "Yoshimitsu's Den"?
The title and content of this track are references to the character Yoshimitsu from the Tekken fighting game series.