Sharing Space Review

Release Date: Apr 12, 2008
Label: Difrnt Music
Genres: Progressive Rock
Number Of Tracks: 13
Those who want an album packed with riffs and screaming vocals won't find it here. This is an album that sucks you in but keeps you aware of every musical note.

Sound:	10
Lyrics:	9
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.5
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	14

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: jguneratne, on april 11, 2008

Sound: Cog spent over 12 months locked away recording their second album. Produced by Sylvia Massy, the fruit of their labour is Sharing Space. After listening to this album through twice I must admit this is one of the best sophomore albums I've ever heard. Rather than branching out into a new direction, Cog have focused on what makes them original, and refined it. The album itself is less riff-oriented and contains more chord progressions. It contains incredible immersive soundscapes and at the same time, catchy, commercial standouts. It's hard to believe that this band is a three-piece. The guitar sound is amazing, it's distorted, but blends in perfectly with the bass. The drums are tough and technical as always, and when combined with the rest it makes a beautiful, unique sound. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Brilliant, poetic and politically charged, Flynn's lyrics are great as always. Luke's backing vocals on this album create great harmonies and give it a richer sound. They blend in well with Flynn's lead vocals and add a new dynamic to each song. The only gripe I have with the lyrics is the content. Politics have been done to death and it's kind of annoying. But regardless of the content, they are well written. // 9

Impression: Sharing Space parallels The New Normal, if not surpassing it. Cog's sound has matured but will divide fans. Those who want an album packed with riffs and screaming vocals won't find it here. This is an album that sucks you in but keeps you aware of every musical note. Standout tracks are, "Are You Interested?" "What If" and "Bird of Feather". // 9

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: le screamist, on april 15, 2008

Sound: Just when you think that the musical enigma that is Cog couldn't possibly evolve any more, they defy expectations and deliver such an amazing album that even the most seasoned Cog fan will be blown away. Not only have they tightened up their already phenomenal sound, their song writing has matured far beyond The New Normal. Flynn, one of the most underrated guitar players/vocalists of all time has come through once again with his amazing voice and guitar work. Luke, once again, has performed incredibly, his bass lines marginally more dominant in the mix now, and still very melodic. Lucius's performance is equally as impressive as the rest of the album (not to mention every other shred of recording), however it is noticeable that he has toned down his kit quite a lot, focusing more on rhythm and power than the brain bending insanity of the New Normal. This isn't at all a bad thing, it adds so much more to the music than first thought. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on this album are noticeably more political than the New Normal, and being a huge fan of bands such as RATM and Midnight Oil, I have absolutely no problem with that. The lyrical work is still riddled with metaphor and intelligence and is just as brilliant as on the previous albums. Lyrically my favorite songs are Swamp, What if, Bird of Feather and Four Walls. // 9

Impression: Sharing Space takes your breath away. It is beautiful in every single aspect, even the album art is breathtaking. It rivals The New Normal in every aspect, surpassing it in others (I'm not about to stop listening to The New Normal mind you). I picked it up on April 12th and I've listened to it around 8 times. Catchy, technical, marvelous, captivating and breath taking all at the same time, definitely not an album to be missed. If it were lost or stolen I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. It really is that good. // 10

Comments

[inspir3]

Cog = Pwnz

[coolo]

inspir3 wrote:

Cog = Pwnz

+1

[SOYCD]

cant belive COG got a review on UG
they ****in rock and their sound is solid for a band that only gets play on triple j

[Subcide]

If you like this, check out Karnivool and Dead letter circus, 2 other solid Aussie bands.

[gimme_fuel_89]

Cog deserve more attention.

[johnnypark30]

I remember when The New Normal came out and I kept posting in the UG forums trying to get people to listen to Cog, I was just so overwhelmed with how great they were.

Hopefully some people will see this review and go and buy their new album, 'cause it's brilliant.

[jtaylor]

Great album, the opener is my favourite so far.

[jguneratne]

Sleep Parade are another awesome aussie band

[11223344554433]

Everyone should join the cog group.

I haven't been able to listen to this album all the way through yet though i'm sure it will be great, also if i try to add a review will it not work cause there's already one there?

[johnnypark30]

11223344554433 wrote:

I haven't been able to listen to this album all the way through yet though i'm sure it will be great, also if i try to add a review will it not work cause there's already one there?

It will work, there will just be two glowing reviews instead of one.

[9_11_4]

SOYCD wrote:

cant belive COG got a review on UG
they ****in rock and their sound is solid for a band that only gets play on triple j

dude, if you've looked I have reviews all of their past releases I love cog

[sturm]

Subcide wrote:

If you like this, check out Karnivool and Dead letter circus, 2 other solid Aussie bands.

+1
karnivool is friggin awesome... would highly recommend checking them out over cog...

[clap_clap_clap]

I'm not sure if a fan doing a review is really a review...but cog rock!

[Chaos3333]

I love cog and this is the album that got me into them. Flynn is an amazing singer and as a drummer it's hard not to be impressed by Lucius. This album has so much to off and this band is criminally underrated.