 | Cog Sharing Space
3.9
excellent
| Ranking: #38 for 2008 | |
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| | Full Review | Ratings (200) |
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| 0.0 | Jom | August 30th 08 |
While The New Normal's Byzantine songwriting structure and progressive elements have given way to this record's more straightforward approach, Aussieland's Cog deliver yet another catchy, refreshing listen. Sharing Space delivers a juxtaposed array of epic (sometimes to the point of excess) numbers as well as some right-to-the-point cuts that help ease the 72:00+ album runtime. The record's ambiance and tone - bolstered in part by the infusion of electronics - paint an exquisite aural landscape, making the album's flow always having a consistent direction. "Bird of Feather" is both haunting and beautiful (as is the depressing "How Long"), "Sharing Space" is Cog's pop-oriented, electronic-driven wonder, and the controversial bookends "No Other Way" and "Problem, Reaction, Solution" showcase the here's-the-Cog-we-know-from-last-album-ness factor (although "Are You Interested?" would be a better choice for an album opener). While there are a couple clunkers - "Swamp" is easily Cog's worst song across their discography, especially with such atrocious lyricism - Sharing Space is a wondrous listen.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Jim | May 3rd 08 |
After almost too long, Cog make a belated return to the Australian rock scene with their much anticipated second release Sharing Space. The songwriting here is much more straightforward than their successful debut The New Normal, and I honestly believe Cog prove a far better outfit with this approach, although I acknowledge I am most probably in the minority on that front. The lengthy track times and odd time signatures prevalent on their previous release have mostly given way to sweeter melodies - such as those found in the intense Say Your Last Goodbye and the moody How Long - and shorter, catchier songs in general, such as the stellar Are You Interested? and the brilliant title track. Bitter fans who were hoping for something as entirely progressive as The New Normal aren't completely without hope however, as epic tracks No Other Way and Problem, Reaction, Solution will surely tide them over until Cog's next (much anticipated) release.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Mojito | May 31st 12 |
This album is too long, it's incredibly pretentious and at times just unnecessary but when it works it really works. Some of these songs are classic, the subject matter, while incredibly cliche and as subtle as a punch to the face is fantastic and there is a real passion in what is happening here. So many cons but the pros are simply jaw dropping.
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| 2.0 poor | PistolPete | March 14th 12 |
Quite possibly one of the most disappointing albums I've ever listened to. It's not the worst album ever, but to follow up 2005's gorgeous Aussie rock anthem "The New Normal" with this is really depressing. Where is the energy, the blast of riffs that sound like fog horns signaling shit's about to go down? They even gave us mediocre proggier songs which seemed to be their strength from before and what I was expecting they would lean towards. I can't think of a standout song that will make want to listen to it again, but I also can't think of one I despised. Even the song "Silence is Violence" with it's corny repetitive chorus somehow feels less corny alongside song other songs here that attack governments in some weird attempt at revolution. Before they made their repetitive choruses and harmonies the hooks of the songs, literally begging you to sing a long. Here there's none of that. Iunno, will try it in the future again but I've given it enough tries to sink in already.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Coma1996 | May 6th 08 |
Sharing space is a genre, artist and nation defining album. This album is cruel, but fair and can be very positive in its views. The music is emotionally stimulating as the lyrics and all Australians should be proud of this work
Bump |
| 2.5 average | Captain North | May 3rd 08 |
Decent music, not as ear-catching as their last record though and I seriously hate the lyrics on this record. I give them 2.5 simply because they DO sound good.
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| 3.5 great | contrive | May 2nd 08 |
These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands. I love the energy they have about them. Although I haven't listened through the whole album yet, just tracks here and there, I really like what they've done, their sound is unique, but something I have have noticed which sets this apart from the New Normal is the more direct sound, and the songs seem to get to the point faster. I'm expecting them to go on and do big things, they have already made a name for themselves here in Australia, But I'd like to see them hit it off overseas. I think they have all the makings of a successful band.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Oddhead | October 23rd 23 |
| 4.5 superb | Macck | September 12th 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | sicrvat | November 5th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Pandos | March 1st 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | Freedom | November 3rd 18 |
| 3.0 good | Lalka | May 4th 18 |
| 4.0 excellent | Rodstar | December 20th 16 |
| 3.5 great | rufous | February 12th 16 |
| 5.0 classic | jeggers | November 3rd 14 |
| 5.0 classic | ipwn | January 16th 14 |
| 5.0 classic | rawni | December 28th 13 |
| 5.0 classic | Slade18 | December 11th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | pjmoose | March 13th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | bert0 | October 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Dan3490 | September 9th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | benkim | July 28th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Trojan | July 27th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Zedi | April 13th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | mursu | April 9th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | StAAder | January 22nd 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Rowdy | January 13th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Coast | December 25th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Drpibb | December 17th 11 |
| 4.5 superb | D2d_ | December 17th 11 |
| 4.5 superb | Rowan5215 EMERITUS | November 19th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | seifer | August 4th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | W477ZY | April 22nd 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | ZuZo | March 8th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Clarky | April 3rd 10 |
| 3.0 good | Markk1 | January 6th 10 |
| 4.5 superb | cb123 | December 21st 09 |
| 3.5 great | dre458 | October 25th 09 |
| 2.0 poor | qwe3 | September 30th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | cia | August 19th 09 |
| 2.5 average | syhr | June 5th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | Maskari | April 9th 09 |
| 3.0 good | DaTwig | March 19th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | wilksy | July 31st 08 |
| 4.5 superb | Tom | May 6th 08 |
| 5.0 classic | greg84 EMERITUS | April 18th 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | Fryxell | April 13th 08 |
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