This French progressive-rock quartet’s new release was produced by avant-rock singer/songwriter Bob Drake. The odd qualifier of sorts resides within Cosia’s use of the hurdy gurdy (rosined wheel stringed instrument) to complement the bass-drums-guitar lineup. The band incorporates snaky lines with distortion-based guitar, and what sounds like sonically-enhanced hurdy gurdy manipulations along with off-kilter phrasings. They switch gears with minimalist and slightly ominous diatribes, where the band seems as though it is entering a forbidden zone. Complete with droning undercurrents and asymmetrical rhythmic maneuvers, the unit occasionally delves into free-jazz/rock terrain. However, many of these pieces are constructed upon linear movements, bustling ostinatos and thumping rock grooves. Pleasantly in-your-face, the quartet injects dissonant themes and accelerating tempos into the grand scheme of matters. Fans of Belgian "Rock in Opposition" heroes, Univers Zero should give this band a good hearty listen. Moreover, the musicians use various rhythmic structures as launching pads for thematic developments.

Overall, the artists’ pursue an ongoing musical metamorphous during the preponderance of this studio set, awash with quirky time changes, and subversive interludes. Packed with power, ingenuity and strong musicianship this is one of those sessions that offers an alternative to the tried and true, largely due to Cosia’s curiously interesting hurdy gurdy-based implementations.