Words by: Simon Russell-White
Photos by: Raphaël Levesque
Knowing that Night 1 of the Bird’s Robe 15th Birthday Tour (aka ‘MikeFest’) was kicking off at the newly refurbished/ renovated Brightside had me excited well before this evening took place. What would be a perfect summers night here in Brisbane, the latest editions to this renowned venue made for the perfect stage/ stages for not only a bill of this calibre but to celebrate all that Mike Solo (Bird’s Robe Founder/ Managing Director) has done for the music industry!
Having to complete a very last minute walk from the Gabba after witnessing enough of the Australian Men’s Cricket team put up a nice total on Day 2 of the Ashes Series verses England, though (not so) fashionably late, being welcomed to the new look/ classic (good) old Brightside had this sports and music fan in a right old spin, pun absolutely intended.
My sincere apologies to the bands I didn’t catch, after eventually arriving, discussions with friends were filled with reports of breathtaking dream state musicality, off kilter rock and fun times had by all. Bravo and kudos to you all. As a conciliation/ for what it’s worth, I’d checked some of you out prior both live and online and will endeavour to catch each and every one of you live another time!
Being greeted with Brisbane’s own Hazards of Swimming Naked was a real treat, this five piece instrumental prog outfit also had some familiar faces in the lineup, being the smiling riff assassins of Osaka Punch fame Chrispy (Guitar) and Reggie (Bass).
What a moving set from these lads, it’s always cool seeing a band with 3 guitarists as it adds extra flavour to the music, the guys delivered subtle leads and licks throughout that made for such welcome ingredients… talk about music mastery! Coupled/ grouped with drumming that complimented and layered every tune with delight, Hazards of Swimming Naked are all class!
Righto, for the headliners I’m going to cut to the chase and re highlight that Cog ‘are a political band.’ If anyone is unaware of this then you simply haven’t been paying attention, but, all can be forgiven as we share these wild times and know that as a live act Cog are still burning bright and continue to take zero prisoners, in fact they choose nothing but togetherness!
On that, it was refreshing yet not surprising to hear Flynn Gower (Guitar/ Lead Vocals) address the audience with a plea to come together to make change after opening with the monolithic track Doors. For almost 30 years now Cog have expressed their political views through songs and artistry, and continued to deliver their material precisely and laden it all with absolute truth! Tonight the audience was left captivated hanging on every word Flynn, Luke Gower (Bass) and Lucius Borich sung and spoke! All members looking noticeably healthier than ever as a triangle of pure energy.
There is not a need, nor is it appropriate to sell this ex Bondi/ Byron Bay three-piece, as it’s well known, if you are a Cog fan, then you know exactly what you’re in for on all live, musicality and emotive levels, and as we all navigate these wild times we live in, the almighty Cog gives comfort in keeping humility alive. Who said we can’t discuss and come together on difficult issues and not have a bit of fun while doing so hey?! Oh, and if this was your first time seeing Cog, am I wrong?!
Said with gratefulness and only love in my heart, being the 26th time I’ve seen this band live it was not only timely but completely unsurprising to hear the track Paris, Texas from the bands 2002 Split EP Just Visiting Part. 2 ring through the new outdoor PA. This being one of many Cog tracks, like earlier and later played tracks from tonight’s blistering set Are you Interested?, Drawn Together, Run and Silence is Violence that lays out a call for political change and as a species a must come together and push back on these (forced) ‘elected’ ‘leaders‘ in this country and abroad. A government that continues to create and make control mandatory, a government that never apologises for anything, a government that is hell bent on always blaming the public and never themselves. For me, Cog’s songs are a soundtrack for those who feel passionately about this ever growing problem that continues to swallow this great nation and world we all share, Cog truly are a band for the common people.
For a band that is well and truly into it’s third decade of existence, latest single Walk the Line is proof the band, at it’s core, still retains a well kindled fire, this is a song that offers a more emotional and somewhat beautiful balance to this electric set.
As the crowd enjoyed singing along to every song, especially those at the front, closing with single from 2008’s full length Sharing Space Bird of Feather saw for witness of not being able to hear the band (almost) at all, as a choir of voices broke into song with opening lines,
“So divine, bird of feather and the line you crossed kept us together”,
this a fitting and energetic end to yet another memorable set from what I will happily and openly call Australia’s Most Important Band Right Now!
Thank you for being the band you are Flynn, Luke and Lucius, In Cog We Trust, forever.
PHOTO GALLERY
KODIAK EMPIRE
SQUAT CLUB
ECHOTIDE
CASPIAN
