Cog / Sleepmakeswaves

Two of Australia’s most influential alternative bands have teamed up for a co-headlining tour of the UK and Europe in March 2019.

COGwill embark on their first ever European tour and their first UK shows in 11 years, since their legendary sold out show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire back in 2008 (with New Zealanders Shihad). 

The progressive power trio have immense cult recognition for their landmark records The New Normal(2005) and Sharing Space(2008), featuring intensely political lyrics, formidable riffs and polyrhythmic patterns conceived by legendary drummer Lucius Borich, bassist Luke Gower and the unique stylings of Flynn Gower (vocals/guitar).

The band have gone from strength to strength since reuniting in 2016 after a 6-year hiatus. New single ‘The Middle’ was released last year to critical acclaim and significant radio play on national broadcaster triple j. The band have also sold out three national theatre tours and headlined major festivals in Australia, including 3 x sold out nights at Sydney’s iconic 1,200 capacity Metro Theatre. As the band post updates from the studio, anticipation for a new COG album is growing and the band will celebrate their first overseas tour with the release of new music. New track ‘Altered States’ is out now.

sleepmakeswavesare well-loved on the European continent and return for their sixth European tour, celebrating 10 years since their debut EP was released. The band last toured the UK and Europe in 2017 in support of their acclaimed third album Made of Breath Onlyand are currently riding high on the success of their reimaginations of the Robert Miles classic ‘Children’ and Metallica’s ‘To Live is To Die’ racking up over 1 million views. Continuing the anniversary tour theme they kicked off in Australia & India this year, the band will perform songs from throughout their repertoire including their ARIA-nominated albums Love of Cartography(2014) and …and so we destroyed everything(2011).

sleepmakeswaves’ brand of instrumental post-rock is known for their thundering climactic sequences, memorable melodies and electric flair on stage. They have graced the main stage at ArcTanGent, AM Fest, Dunk Festival, Bergmal Festival, Euroblast, ProgPower and India’s NH7 Weekender, as well as touring with iconic prog, post and metal acts such as Karnivool, Underoath, 65daysofstatic, Opeth & Devin Townsend.

In March 2019, both bands will bring their unique take on progressive music to the newly minted Prognosis Festival in the Netherlands in March, alongside Haken, Soen and Witchcraft.

They will also play 2 exclusive UK headline shows in Leeds and London, before heading on to play several club shows in Germany and Italy throughout March.

Although commonplace at home, it’s rare that two like-minded acts hailing from such a distance are able to join together for a tour abroad. For a country as remote as Australia, it’s impressive to reflect on how this patch of land is renowned for its musical progressiveness and diversity – from Karnivool to Tame Impala, Hiatus Kaiyote to Twelve Foot Ninja, Kimbra to Closure in Moscow and more. But thanks to the powerful support of the cult following COG & sleepmakeswaves enjoy and their bonds built through touring the great land down under, it’s therefore fitting that these two bands set out together to journey towards ‘Distant Lands.’