Cog @ Metro (09/11/2007)

Tue 27th Nov, 2007 in Gig Reviews

The Cog What If tour bus swung by Melbourne to play at the Metro, supported by Brisbane rockers Dead Letter Circus and local favourites .hinge

.hinge were a popular choice for opening support, mixing the right amount of intensity in their performance with music that the crowd could rock out to in preparation for Cog. The highlight of their performance was undoubtedly ‘Waves’, launching the steadily growing crowd into a frenzy.

Dead Letter Circus were next to hit the stage, showcasing new material juxtaposed with tracks from their debut self titled EP much to the delight of all. Frontman Kim Benzie was his usual self – hyperactive complete with quirky facial expressions and soaring vocals. Whilst it was a good performance, and entertaining enough for fans and newcomers alike, I was still left with the impression that the boys had not quite performed to the best of their abilities (as if they were just falling short of amazing, but were still awesome, so to speak). ‘Disconnect and Apply’ was definitely the peaking moment of the night, with the near capacity crowd singing back to the band “See you at work on Monday!” Sadly, for some of us in the crowd, that statement was true.

Cog took to stage amongst deafening cheers and applause as Melbournites welcomed back the boys from Bondi after their visit to the States. Cog played an impressive set, which could have only been improved if ‘Doors’had featured. Despite this, however, the new tracks were well received by fans, and coupled with great lighting, the performance at Metro (and at the Peninsula Lounge the night before) was a return to the Cog most had known and loved, especially when compared to the previous show at The HiFi Bar in June.

Unlike the Peninsula Lounge (an intimate and great venue to see Cog), Metro’s sound system surpassed expectations and, depending on ones vantage point, sound wasn’t an issue for the evening. This, as a result, contributed to the general enjoyment of the evening.

After a solid hour and a half, Cog left the stage finishing the night with ‘My Enemy’ from their album The New Normal. There were barely any appeals for an encore, as fans knew their appeals wouldn’t be answered. But there was definitely a buzz in the air that signified fans wanting more.

On the upside, with the release of the new album in late January next year, there is little doubt in our minds that a tour in support will be announced very soon.

Thanks to Damage for the photos on the night!