In celebration of gaining the rights to their music and emancipation from their former label, Australian band Cog have launched the second part of their Vinyl Tour, hitting regional towns.
Frankston was the backdrop to the tour's maiden voyage, with a packed-out show at the Pier Bandroom (4 October).Between 2011 and 2016 Cog went on hiatus due to the deteriorating relationship between them and their label. During this time, each member went on a personal sojourn, playing in other groups and expanding personal horizons.
In 2018, the band having reunited in 2016, Cog released new music in the form of single 'The Middle' to success, which kickstarted the band back into touring. Cog started their Vinyl Tour earlier this year, selling out shows once again across the country.
When I walked into the band room, it was absolutely packed with punters more than ready for a show. Melbourne-based punk band Captives played an impressive support set, each member filling the stage with energy and passion for their music.
Throughout the set, lead singer Aaron Damon was in the faces of the crowd, creating the energy we needed to prepare for Cog.
Cog entered the stage ripping out the song 'Real Life' off their 2005 debut album, 'The New Normal'. Lead singer and guitarist, Flynn Gower's booming voice captured the audience immediately and readied fans for what was coming – the show of a lifetime.
Image © Rob Cuzens
Cog's set list comprised songs from their sophomore (and most recent) album, 2008's 'Sharing Space' and 'The New Normal'; each song had the audience screaming lyrics word for word, without missing a beat.
Each member flipped a switch inside of their fans; the crowd was rowdy and wild. Shoulder-to-shoulder, fans pushed and shoved creating a moshpit with an energy that I hadn't seen in a long time; fans were 25 again and ready for anything.
Cog generate something within their fans that words can't describe; they cast a spell across the room and capture the energy fans not only desire but want to unleash.
Image © Rob Cuzens
I often find myself comparing a band's sound onstage to their recordings – Cog has destroyed this neat comparison because they not only sounded exactly like their recordings, but they also somehow sounded even better.
A band like Cog has so many technical marvels and flourishes throughout their tunes, and each player brings a unique and clearly defined technical mastery to their instruments – I was floored they were also able to translate studio feats into a live setting.
For two decades, Cog have created music that breaks the boundaries of progressive rock, and it's clear from this tour they don't intend to stop anytime soon.
Image © Rob Cuzens
This tour means a lot of things for the band, but for fans it means we may get new music from the legendary trio. The Vinyl Tour will continue through next month reaching across the country; this is an act you need to see in your lifetime, and this is your best time to see them.
- written by Dante Griffith
More photos from the concert.
