title: COG: Just Visiting Part 2

URL: http://obzine.hypermart.net/cdreviews/cog.html

magazine: Obzine

date: 2002

writer: Untitled

COG: Just Visiting Part 2

www.cog.com.au

(Little Samurai / MGM)

With the highly anticipated second release from Bondi's hottest offering at the moment, Cog have delivered just what their fans are asking for: more progressive rock that pounds the mind and challenges musical boundaries.

Already having picked up J rotation, SOAD supports and live performances on tellie, I don't have to tell you there is something a bit 'special' here. Cog have built themselves predominately from their energetic and enigmatic live performances, and most of it is captured on this disc.

The only comparison you could really make to another band is probably Tool. The EP has five tracks but the length is there. Cog songs tend to build on things and move you around for a while, which of course takes time.

The music is layered, not rushed, and the vocalist has his preverbial shit together. The music has a hard edge, though they like to ley low these boys, often bringing out intricacies in songs when you thought they couldn't. Paris, Texas is the opener and it slowly builds, drawing you nearer and finally capturing you with some relentless riffage and vocals. Then it drapes off and leaves you standing. Cog have a a way of moving your attention from place to place, and as the disc moves to Stretch, the heightened vocals and tom-stomping.

Cog are for those who like the metal with that something extra. It rocks hard, yes, but it also captures those hard to reach intimate moments, mixing the two end of the spectrum in a balanced way so as not to leave you wanting too much more. Just visiting is the closer, and it lies as more of an 'experimental' track, with the fuzzier guitar and sweeping noisey samples building into quite a solid track about three minutes in. The songs builds and falls, but the flow is seemless and the overlapping parts and production in here make this a real highlight on the album. For me, I admit it's not my usual listen, but by the end of the CD I was a Cog convert. For fans of Cog this is a definite 'adder' for your collection.

Summary: Dark rock, well layered, intricate, alluring, solid and unrelenting. Tool-ish (yeah that's a lame comparison, but if you like Tool, buy this).
Highlights: The way they can really create a mood. Close your eyes and you could be a million miles away on another planet (hey get off those drugs).
Lacking: A radio-friendly pop element. This isn't a bad thing at all, just keeps it underground longer...
Tracks: 5
Price: Check their website
Info: www.cog.com.au