FireInCairo

Sounds fun
I might drop by in the coming months

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O G MUDBONE: Only You can prevent forest fires.

Astronomer

I haven't (yet) ! I didn't want to shamelessly self-promote but my band has a few upcoming gigs there in a few months time and we're also planning on doing a couple of open mic nights.

But yeah, it is a really fun place to hang out, I'm there at least once a week! I hope the venue is there for many years to come and stays true to its great atmosphere.

I'll try to recognise you and say hi!

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jackhammer

Renamed the thread for your username change. Most of the photos are not up though now. They need re-linking.

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Astronomer

Thanks jackhammer, you are so on the ball!
I'll re-link all the photos.

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Astronomer

Cog
featuring
MM9 and Freestate
22nd November 2008
Queensbridge Hotel, Melbourne

Originally I was supposed to see Cog on the 10th of October but the show was postponed due to Flynn’s wife going into labour with their second child. But they promised to come back and put on the show for us, which they did, and it was well worth the wait.

Opening the night was Freestate, a little-known band from Melbourne. They were pretty terrible, but unfortunately I had to stick them out in order to keep my front-row possie. They played really generic hard rock that had nothing special about it in the slightest. The lead singer’s vocals were very melodic and he had a great voice, but it was just boring. Worst of all, they were shameless show-offs to the point where it was quite sickening. Much to my pleasure, the guitarist fell off the stage amusingly during one of their songs, probably due to his head being much too far up his arse. Anyway!

MM9 were pretty interesting, and to be honest I really got into them – they definitely had the ability to get a crowd going during a live show. Hailing from Sydney, MM9 combine the elements of rock and electro. Their set-up included an amazing drummer with a kit that combined traditional pieces and electric pads, a pretty mediocre guitarist and also bass player, and vocalist who also messed around with a variety of effects on a KORG keyboard. I haven’t decided if I like them outside of the live gig yet, but I definitely enjoyed them on the night – they were good fun, had a great attitude, and were fun to let loose and move to.

Then there was Cog. I can’t emphasise how much I love this band. Cog are a three-piece from Sydney, comprised of brothers Flynn and Luke Gower, on vocals/ guitar and bass, and Lucius Borich on drums. They call themselves ‘Australian progressive rock’ and one of the reasons why I love them so much is that they actually sound Australian. I don’t know if this is possible, or if it can be explained, but they do – and not just because of their accents. Some of their songs hold traces of Aboriginal influence. This, I think makes them pretty unique.

The show they put on was just awesome. They do use a lot of sampling and loops in their live shows – and I know a lot of people are very anti this – but I am always baffled by how many simultaneous cool sounds they can make for having only three people on stage. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with the sound quality of this particular show – the guitar distortion was kind-of fuzzy and the drum and bass sounds weren’t that impressive either. I’m not sure who’s fault this is, but it took away from the tightness of the band which got me into them. The vocals however, sounded great, with Flynn’s voice being incredibly smooth, echoey (in a good way), and spot-on for the entire show. I also loved their stage presence. I’d have to say that Cog are a fairly modest band, but I love how Flynn especially moves about the stage and gets into what he’s playing. This, coupled with the way they interact with each other on stage, makes you able to tell that as well as being close friends and brothers, they’re doing it simply because they love the music and want to make a difference. You may think I’m biased because of my drive to support the Australian music scene, but I really do love this band. So without further ado, Cog:









Oh, and I got to go home with one of Lucius's drumsticks!

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jackhammer

They have a lot of potential. An upload would be appreciated

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Astronomer

Check your PMs in like one minute

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Astronomer

Okay, so I know I dropped off the face of the earth for a little while, but I'm back, and bumping this journal, because last night I went to the BEST concert I have ever been to. I know that is a big call but I'm willing to make it.

Karnivool
25th June 2009
The Forum Theatre, Melbourne

When I first heard Karnivool's Persona EP in 2001, they were an incredibly small-time 'local' band. I saw them at Ruby's Lounge (see one of my previous entries) and had the pleasure of having a beer with the guys afterwards. Today, they are one of the biggest bands in Australian music, and their new album Sound Awake is the 2nd most selling album in Australia (I think the number 1 selling album is the Black Eyed Peas or something, booo.) Watching this band on this incredible journey and seeing them explode into the Australian music scene has just been awesome.

Karnivool are a five piece alternative rock/ progressive rock band from Perth, Western Australia. I've seen them live several times now, and I have to say that are the best live band I have ever seen. Each time I've been blown away by the quality of sound and their stage presence.

One our way over to the Forum, we crossed paths with Drew Goddard, the lead guitarist. He was more than happy to stop and have a chat with us! All the times I've had the pleasure of meeting the band, they have always been the most down to earth guys. It just felt like we were talking to an old mate. Anyway, The Forum Theatre is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever been to. Took these from inside.





We got there too late to catch any of the support acts, but some random guy next to me told me they weren't any good anyway. We secured ourselves a good position in the crowd and by the time Karnivool entered the stage it was absolutely packed. They opened with the first two tracks off their new album, Simple Boy and Goliath, and the sound was just amazing. I, and everyone around me, were just blown away. They continued the set with some of their monster songs of their new album, as well as making sure to play old favourites such as Themata and COTE. Ian Kenny's voice was just absolutely angelic. I don't think I will ever see a vocalist perform live as well as he does. He also has an incredibly unique stage presence, very kooky and odd, but just right into the music. I was beside myself that they played all of my favourite songs - including Deadman and All I Know off their new album. They also had great light and backdrop shows. The concluded with an encore of Change, part 1 and 2. The last track off their previous album was titled Change, part 1 and Change, part 2 was the last track off their new album. They played them flowing into one another, and I thought it was a really fitting way to end the gig - representing the change the band has gone through over the past 4 years in so many ways.



Marry me Ian Kenny! /end fangirl.

I had such a great time, and Karnivool were just amazing. It was the best gig I've ever been to. Seeing this band go from a barely-known local artist to the 2nd most selling album in Australia has been an incredible journey. If you haven't heard of them yet, be sure to check them out: (these vids aren't from the gig I was at, I found them on YouTube )

jackhammer

Nice review and I love the venue by the look of the photos. I'm sure a lot more people would like this band if they gave them the time. Their latest is an excellent listen.

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