Shihad and Cog

Keen punters were treated to an unusual support band for the Homeland Security tour in Newcastle... in being there was none. Instead, a short film May Dayz was shown before Cog took to the stage, as bemused fans stared up and watched surfers going about what they do best... surf. After the film was over, the real show began and Cog entered the fort to begin an hour long assault on the senses. Playing mostly songs of their new album "The New Normal", the boys from Bondi played a scorching set leaving the crowd gobsmacked at just how well these guys have been able to translate their excellent album sound to a live show which seriously kicks major ass. And the boys didnt mind telling us what they thought of the current political climate either, which given the bands apparent interest in politics, was to be expected.

After Cog had graciously left the stage it was a 20 minute wait before Shihad entered with their now trademark opening Empty Shell. It had been just over 2 years since the Had were in town, and it didnt take long to realise the public had been starved for far too long. Including crowd favourites such as The General Electric, Comfort Me, Home Again and My Minds Sedate along with tracks from their latest album "Love is the New Hate", the guys teared through the set in typical reckless abandon.

As the set drew to a close, and Jon announced that Newcastle was the most rocking city in Australia, there could only be one suitable song to finish a night like this. The call of "1, 2, 3, 4!..." brought out the heaviest song of the night as the crowd moshed its way to exhaustion to You Again, it was a fitting tribute to one of the best, if not the best gig I had ever been to. Tours like this shouldnt be so ridiculously cheap and enjoyable.

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