Review Summary: The best band you haven't heard yet (unlike this tag-line.)
To describe Cogito's sound, one may use the term “mathcore” but there isn't truly the quirkiness that term implies within Cogito's aural form of gratification, instead I would prefer to use the term, “dissonant hardcore.” They truly deserve to be told that their music is gratification to the listener, and confirmation that there is still art left out there in this heartbroken, culturally-bankrupt wasteland of a generation that today's denizens of earth are forced to live in. By adding touches of Botch or Converge to the elite post-rock aspects of I Would Set Myself on Fire For You, the band shows they have a knack for musical innovation and proficiency.
This musical proficiency is shown through Cogito's superb talent and skill. The instrumentals on the album-“Nociception”, “Thermoception”, and “Equilibrioception"-show the listener that Cogito does not only understand dissonance and controlled chaos, but that they understand how to portray an emotion to the listener using solely simplicity. Guitar strums are placed perfectly with programmed noises, tremolo plucks are staccato and are perfectly timed. In tracks like “Voir”, “Olfaction”, “Tactition”, and “Auditory”, one is shown how a musical group could combine their obvious artistic wit to combine dissonance and passion into one enthralling experience. The listener is put on several roller-coasters of intensity throughout this twenty-three minute mini-LP. After an ascension into intensity and dissonance, one is brought back down to a passionate piece with a perceptible groove and undeniable likability. This transition is made without ever losing the raw vigor that never seems contrived.
“Tactition” is a sublime musical build-up which shows just that through simplistic, serene blips of music. “Olfaction” is just a relentless metalcore journey. This track showcases the raw, intense vocals, and the abrasive, technical musicianship. “Thermoception is reminiscent of the post-rock elements commonly seen in first-wave screamo compositions. By adding small, perfectly-placed, satisfying amounts of quirkiness throughout their album, Cogito creates enough originality to where the music always seems fresh, yet coherent. And throughout, it all just seems to work.
Another thing that is stupendous is the vocal work. The vocal stylings throughout are reminiscent of Jacob Bannon from Converge. The guttural vocals that are pleasurable rarities throughout the mix are added just enough to prove enjoyable, but not applied so much to where the band leaves you wanting more. The mid-range screams are well-produced and are throaty cries of desperation. This desperation is wanting to be heard. And boy, with that crisp and clean production, we can sure hear you, crystal clear.
The production is, as I said, crisp and clear, and not a single instrument is lost in the mix whatsoever. The guitar skill throughout is shown perfectly; whether the skill is currently guiding listeners into another section of sonic assault, or adding to that aforementioned musical proficiency, the full sound of it all is never lost in translation. The same can be said about the staccato, stable yet frenetic, fantastic percussion skills, the bass, and the vocals.
In fact, everything good can be said about the percussion, bass, guitar, and vocals. Originality is always present. And by its side is efficiency, a focused being, sublimity, technical ability, aggression, passionate and emotional music, and truly, a work of art. Cogito has truly formed a “dissonant hardcore” masterpiece.
FINAL RATING: 3.9/5.0-The best band you haven't heard yet (unlike this tag-line.)
