Cog, Junto, Sharmber @ TheGaelic Club, 18/12/04

Mon 20th Dec, 2004 in Gig Reviews

Sharmber, a five piece fronted by two female guitarists sharing vocal duties. They performed a surprisingly enjoyable set of dark, melodic rock that reminded me at times of A Perfect Circle. I was quite impressed and would recommend anyone interested to check them out.

Junto, a band that have toured with Cog on a number of occasions and are building quite a following in their own right. As always they performed a tight, intense set and succeeded in capturing the attention of the audience. They have a really good presence on stage, and although they are at times in danger of coming off as a little too dramatic because of their lyrical themes and singer Kane’s vocal style, the untiring antics of guitarist Joseph Berry keep the balance just so. Tonight he treated us with a rendition of the acapella hidden track Your House off of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, which made me laugh my arse off while unashamedly singing along to every word. They are definitely one of Australia’s most promising acts, and any band that gives a nod to Portishead (they cover Wandering Star) is okay in my book.

Anarchy OK is definitely one of Cog’s best new songs. Unfortunately, as happens far to frequently, the start of the performance was plagued with technical difficulties as Flynn’s mics refused to cooperate. But ever the professionals, they ploughed on through and problems were soon forgotten. Playing new songs including Real Life, Silence is Violence and Resonate but unfortunately not Run which is perhaps the most impressive new song as it displays the reggae influenced side of the band that is not immediately apparent. I got the feeling the band were a little tired as there was minimal chat between songs, and the immense energy and chemistry between the members was not a tangible as usual. I was ecstatic along with the rest of the devout crowd when Lucius thumped out the opening of 1010011010, which they haven’t played for a while, and they performed it with as much brutality and technical precision as ever. Pulling out another classic Moo (fundleton!), crowd favorite Open Up, and closed with an absolutely stunning Just Visiting. Even though the set was perhaps on the short side, it was far from disappointing. 

This band is so good it hurts, and the fact that they haven’t found widespread commercial success and fortune makes a mockery of the Australian music industry. Australian audiences and industry alike should continue to make an effort to support bands like Cog rather than wait for them to go overseas to get the recognition they deserve. Viva la Cog!