DEFEND YOURSELF! COBRA SKULLS

The Cobra Skulls are the greatest thing to come out of Reno, Nev., since gambling. (And Dangle’s sheriff shorts.) Their rockabilly-tinged punk stab will be showcased on a Fat Wreck Chords lineup this Thursday. We spot bassist and vocalist Devin Peralta.

YOU’VE GOT SOME GREAT SHOWS AHEAD.

Yeah, Fat Mike is calling it the best tour ever, which I’m sure he says about all of them. But honestly, NOFX and The Bouncing Souls playing together is just amazing. The 15 year old in me would still pay for that.

IS “HOW DID THE CAT GET SO FAT” IN THE REPERTOIRE?

I think the Gimme Gimmes will have enough covers for everybody. We just did a Bad Religion cover for a tribute album, so maybe that one will be in our set.

“MUNIPHOBIA” IS ABOUT AVOIDING THE BUS. ARE YOU AFRAID OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?

I love trains and I rode the bus all the time when I lived in San Francisco. That was sarcastic, about making fun of people who say, “Ew, the bus,” and feel safe in their car.

I’VE SEEN BUMS PLEASURE THEMSELVES ON THE SUBWAY.

Oh god. Well, that’s a whole other level.

WHAT CAN YOUR FANS EXPECT ON THE NEW EP?

It’s along the lines of faster punk, with a little bit of a ’50s vibe. There’s some horns, and a bit of a dub sound. … Every song is really different from the other.

“BAD APPLES” IS ABOUT BEING STRAIGHT EDGE.

National Geographic did a show on the militant “hate edge.” Boston, Salt Lake City and Reno had straight-edge scenes. It became more personal here. I’d hear about, “Someone got beat up by a bunch of straight-edge kids and he’s in the hospital.” With straight edge, you’re supposed to be in control of yourself, but you’re just like the drunk asshole starting a fight.

IS YOUR LOGO BASED ON THE COBRAS IN NEVADA?

I don’t think there are cobras in Nevada. Hah!

[Cobra Skulls with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Teenage Bottlerocket. Thu 10.21.10. Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm. Ave., Boston. 617.562.8800. 8pm/18+/$22.50. thedise.com]